w
a
y
6. Right turn from a one-way street
into a one-way street. Start the
turn in the far right lane. If safe,
you may end the turn in any lane.
Sometimes, signs or pavement
markings will let you turn right
from another lane, as shown by
the graphic
6
.
7. Turn at a “T” intersection from
a one-way street into a two-way
street. Through traffic has the
right-of-way. You may turn ei-
ther right or left from the center
lane. Watch for vehicles, motor-
cyclists, and bicyclists inside
your turn.
7
LEGAL U-TURNS
A U-turn is t urning your vehicle
around in the street to go back the
way you came. To make a U-turn,
signal and use the far left lane or the
center left turn lane. You may make
a legal U-turn:
• Across a double yellow line when
it is safe and legal.
• In a residential district:
– If there are no vehicles ap-
proaching you within 200 feet.
– Whenever a traffic sign, light,
or signal protects you from ap-
proaching vehicles.
• At an intersection on a green light
or green arrow, unless a “No U-
turn” sign is posted.
• On a divided highway, only if an
opening is provided in the center
divider.
ILLEGAL U-TURNS
Never make a U-turn:
• At or on a railroad crossing.
• On a divided highway by cross-
ing a dividing section, curb, strip
of land, or two sets of double yel-
low lines.
• Where you cannot see clearly 200
feet in each direction because of
- 38 -
a curve, hill, rain, fog, or other
reason.
• Where a “No U-Turn” sign is
posted.
• When other vehicles may hit you.
• On a one-way street.
• In front of a fire station. Never
use a fire station driveway to turn
your vehicle around.
• In business districts. Areas with
churches, apartments, multiple
dwelling houses, clubs, and pub-
lic buildings (except schools) are
also considered to be business
districts. Turn only at an intersec-
tion, unless a sign prohibits it, or
where openings are provided for
turns.
PARKING
PARKING ON A HILL
When you park:
• On a sloping driveway, turn the
wheels so the vehicle will not roll
into the street if the brakes fail.
• Headed downhill, turn your front
wheels into the curb or toward the
side of the road. Set the parking
brake.
• Headed uphill, turn your front
wheels away from the curb and
let your vehicle roll back a few
inches. The wheel should gently
touch the curb. Set the parking
brake.
• Headed either uphill or down-
hill when there is no curb, turn
the wheels so the vehicle will roll
away from the center of the road
if the brakes fail.
down hill up hill no curb-
up hill or
down hill
Always set your parking brake and
leave the vehicle in gear or in the
“park” position.
PARALLEL PARKING
How to parallel park safely:
1. Find a space. Look for a space
about 3 feet longer than your ve-
hicle to safely park in the space
without striking another vehicle
or object. When you find a space,
signal your intention to park.
2. Pull your vehicle alongside the
vehicle in front of your space,
if any, 2 feet away from it and
bumpers aligned. Check your
rear view mirror and look over
your shoulder for approaching
vehicles. You can brake gently
so approaching vehicles behind
you will see the brake lights and
stop to allow you to park. Keep
your foot on the brake and put
the vehicle in reverse.
3. Lift your foot off the brake.
Check your mirrors and look
over your shoulder to make sure
the street is clear of traffic be-
fore you begin to back up. Look
over your shoulder at the space
to make sure it is clear of any
- 39 -
objects, pedestrians, animals,
etc. Begin to back up while turn-
ing the wheel hard toward the
curb; you want the angle to be
sharp but not too sharp.
4. Once the back of your seat is
aligned with the rear bumper of
the vehicle in front of the empty
space, begin turning the steer-
ing wheel away from the curb.
5. s traighten out. Your vehicle
should now be about 6 i nches
from and parallel the curb. You
might have to adjust your vehi-
cle forward or backward before
you put your vehicle in park and
turn off the engine. Check your
mirrors and look over your left
shoulder for oncoming traffic or
bicyclists before you exit.
HOW TO PARK
Step 1
Bring your car to a stop alongside
the car at the front of the space.
Step 2
Reverse into the space with an
S motion.
Step 3
Once the car is parallel with the
curb, pull forward to center your
car within the space.
PARKING AT COLORED CURBS
Painted colored curbs have the fol-
lowing special parking rules:
White–Stop only long enough to
pick up or drop off passengers or
mail.
Green–Park for a l imited time.
Look for a posted sign next to the
- 40 -
green zone for time limits, or locate
the time limit painted on the curb.
Yellow–Stop no longer than the
time posted to load or unload pas-
sengers or freight. Drivers of non-
commercial vehicles are usually
required to stay with the vehicle.
Red–No stopping, standing, or
parking. (Buses may stop at a red
zone marked for buses.)
blue–Parking is permit-
ted only for a disabled
person or a driver of a dis-
abled person who displays a placard
or a special license plate for dis-
abled persons or disabled veterans.
Disabled people with a placard or
special plates may park in special
areas for unlimited periods of time,
regardless of time restrictions. No
one other than a disabled person or
a driver of a disabled person may
park there. A crosshatched (diag-
onal lines) area adjacent to a des-
ignated disabled parking space is
a no parking area. Qualified per-
sons may apply at any DMV office
or visit the DMV website at www.
dmv.ca.gov to obtain a form for a
parking placard or special plates.
An identification card will be is-
sued to holders of disabled person
or disabled veteran license plates.
Example of crosshatched
(diagonal lines) area
NOTE: Placard abuse results in the
loss of special parking privileges. It
is also a misdemeanor and punish-
able by a fine of up to $1,000, im-
prisonment in county jail for up to
six months, or both.
Examples of placard abuse:
• Using a placard after it has been
reported lost or stolen without
reporting that the placard was
found.
• Loaning your placard to friends
or family members (disabled or
not).
• Interchanging placards with
friends or family members.
• Using a placard when the person it
was issued to is not in the vehicle
with you (disabled child, family
member, disabled employer, etc.).
• Usi ng a deceased per son’s
placard.
NOTE: Disabled plates and/or
a placard must be surrendered
or returned to the nearest DMV
within 60 days of the death of the
disabled person. The plates and/
or placard can also be mailed to
the following address:
DMV
PO Box 942869 MS D238
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
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PAGE LEFT
INTENTIONALLY
BLANK
PAGE LEFT
INTENTIONALLY
BLANK
ILLEGAL PARKING
Never park or leave your vehicle:
• Where a “No Parking” sign is
posted.
• On a marked or unmarked cross-
walk, sidewalk, partially block-
ing a sidewalk, or in front of a
driveway.
• Within 3 feet of a sidewalk ramp
for disabled persons or in front of
or on a curb that provides wheel-
chair access to a sidewalk.
• In a disabled person parking
space, unless you are disabled
and display a placard or special
plates.
• In the space next to a disabled per-
son parking space, if it is paint-
ed in a crosshatched (diagonal)
pattern (CVC §22507.8).
• In a space designated for parking
or fueling zero-emission vehi-
cles which display an identifying
decal.
• In a tunnel or on a bridge, except
where permitted by signs.
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
or a fire station driveway.
• On or within 7
1
/2 feet of a railroad
track.
• Between a safety zone and the
curb.
• “Double parked.” (Parking in the
street when all legal parking plac-
es at the curb are taken.)
• On the wrong side of the street.
• At a red curb.
• On a freeway, except:
– In an emergency, or
– When an officer or device re-
quires a stop, or
– Where a stop is specifically
permitted. A vehicle (even
if disabled) that is stopped,
parked, or left standing on a
freeway for more than four
hours may be removed (CVC
§22651(f)).
NOTE: If you must stop on a free-
way, park completely off the pave-
ment and stay in your vehicle with
the doors locked until help arrives.
Leave enough space for other vehi-
cles to freely pass by your vehicle.
Your vehicle should be visible for
at least 200 feet in each direction.
SPECIAL PARKING RULES
• When you park alongside a curb
on a level street, the front and
back wheels must be parallel and
within 18 inches of the curb. Park
parallel to the street if there is no
curb.
• Never leave your vehicle while the
engine is still running; stop the
engine and set the parking brake.
• When you are ready to exit your
vehicle, look carefully for passing
vehicles, bicyclists, and motorcy-
clists. Do not open the driver’s
side door unless it is safe to do
so and you do not interfere with
traffic. Do not leave the door open
any longer than necessary.
- 44 -
SAFE DRIVING
PRACTICES
SIGNALING
Always signal when turning left
or right, changing lanes, slowing
down, or stopping; it lets other driv-
ers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and
pedestrians know your intentions.
Signals may be given by hand-and-
arm positions or by using the vehi-
cle’s signal lights. If bright sunlight
makes the signal lights hard to see,
also use hand-and-arm signals.
RIGHT TURN
SLOW or STOP
LEFT TURN
Motorcyclists often use hand signals
to make themselves more visible.
Bicyclists may give right turn-
signals with their right arm held
straight out, pointing right.
Signal:
• During the last 100 feet before
reaching the turning point (left
or right turn).
CAu TION! —Even though you
signal, do not automatically assume
that the space you want to occupy
is clear.
• Before every lane change. Check
your mirrors, look over your
shoulder, and check your blind
spot before changing lanes.
• At least five seconds before you
change lanes on a freeway.
• Before pulling next to the curb or
away from the curb.
• When you change directions.
• Even when you do not see other
vehicles. A vehicle you do not see
may suddenly appear and hit you.
If you plan to t ur n beyond an
intersection, start signaling when
you are in the intersection. If you
signal too early, the other driver
may think you plan to turn into the
intersection and he or she may pull
out in front of you.
Remember to cancel your signal
after turning.
Steering
s teering Control–Modern vehicles
require very little steering to turn.
Look at the steering wheel as a
clock face and place your hands at
9 and 3 o’clock or slightly lower at
around 8 and 4 o’clock. These are the
desired hand positions that reduce
the possibility of turning the wheel
too sharply.
To reduce forearm and hand inju-
ries, your hands should be placed
on the lower half of the steering
wheel, with your knuckles on the
outside of the wheel, and your
thumbs stretched along the rim of
the steering wheel.
Pull-Push s teering–Use pull-push
steering for most turning maneu-
vers. Put your hands in the 8 and 4
o’clock positions. Pull down with
- 45 -
one hand and push up with the other.
This results in smooth steering and
reduces the potential for over steer-
ing, which can lead to loss of con-
trol. Keep your hands and thumbs
on the outside of the wheel.
Hand-Over-Hand s teering–Use
hand-over-hand steering when
steering movements are critical,
such as when:
• Parking.
• Performing sharp right turns.
• Correcting a skid.
Use quick movements on entry to
the maneuver, and then use slow,
smooth movements when straight-
ening the wheel.
One-Hand s teering–Use one-hand
steering for:
• Backing maneuvers that do not
require full left or right turns, or
• When operating vehicle controls
for information, safety, or comfort.
Steering errors are directly related
to vision errors.
SCANNING
Scanning your surroundings (keep-
ing your eyes moving) includes
keeping a safe distance around your
vehicle. When another driver makes
a mistake, you need time to react.
Give yourself this time by keeping a
“space cushion” on all sides of your
vehicle. This space cushion will give
you room to brake or maneuver if
you need the space.
Know What Is Ahead
To avoid last minute moves, look
down the road 10–15 seconds ahead
of your vehicle so you can see haz-
ards early. Constantly staring at the
road just in front of your vehicle is
dangerous. As you scan ahead, be
alert for vehicles around you.
Where is the green vehicle headed?
Use your mirrors. Allow enough
space between you and the vehicle
ahead to give yourself an “out.” Mis-
takes cause collisions. In the city,
10–15 seconds is about one block.
On the highway, 10–15 seconds is
about a quarter of a mile.
Take in the whole scene–If you
only look at the middle of the road,
you will miss what is happening on
the side of the road and behind you.
Scanning helps you to see:
• Cars and people that may be in the
road by the time you reach them.
• Signs warning of problems ahead.
• Signs giving you directions.
The shaded areas are your blind
spots.
- 46 -
Before changing lanes, look into
your rear view mirror for nearby
vehicles and also over your shoulder
to check for blind spots. Blind spots
can hide a motorcyclist, a vehicle or
a bicyclist. Watch for things about
to happen, like a ball rolling into
the street or a vehicle door opening.
Watch for hazards–Look beyond
the vehicle ahead of you. Do not
develop a “fixed stare.” Keep scan-
ning. Check your rear view mir-
rors every two – five seconds so
you know the position of vehicles
near you.
On the freeway, be ready for chang-
es in traffic conditions. Watch for
signals from other drivers. Expect
merging vehicles at on-ramps and
interchanges. Be prepared for rapid
changes in road conditions and traf-
fic flow. Know which lanes are clear
so you can use them if necessary.
do not be a tailgater! Many drivers
follow too closely (tailgate) and are
not able to see as far ahead as they
should because the vehicle ahead
blocks their view.
The more space you allow between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead,
the more time you will have to see
a hazard, and stop or avoid that
hazard.
Most rear end collisions are caused
by tailgating. To avoid tailgating,
use the “three-second rule”: when
the vehicle ahead of you passes a
certain point such as a sign, count
“one-thousand-one, one-thousand-
two, one-thousand-three.” Counting
these numbers takes approximately
three seconds. If you pass the same
point before you finish counting,
you are following too closely.
You should allow a four-second or
more cushion when:
• Being crowded by a tailgater.
Allow extra room ahead, do not
brake suddenly. Slow down grad-
ually or merge into another lane
to prevent being hit from behind
by the tailgater!
• Driving on slippery roads.
• Following motorcyclists on wet
or icy roads, on metal surfaces
(e.g., bridge gratings, railroad
tracks, etc.), and on gravel. Mo-
torcyclists can fall more easily on
these surfaces.
• The driver behind you wants to
pass. Allow room in front of your
vehicle so the driver will have
space to move in front of you.
• Towing a trailer or carrying a
heavy load. The extra weight
makes it harder to stop.
• Following large vehicles that
block your view ahead. The ex-
tra space allows you to see around
the vehicle.
• You see a bus, school bus, or
a placarded vehicle at railroad
crossings. These vehicles must
stop at railroad crossings; so, slow
down early and allow plenty of
room.
• Merging onto a freeway.
If you follow too closely and anoth-
er driver “cuts” in front of you, just
take your foot off the gas. This gives
- 47 -
you space between your vehicle and
the other driver, without having to
slam on your brakes or swerve into
another lane.
Know What Is at Your Side
Any time you come to a place where
people may cross or enter your path
or one line of traffic meets another,
you should look to the left and right
sides of your vehicle to make sure no
one is coming. Always look to each
side of your vehicle at intersections,
crosswalks, and railroad crossings.
At intersections:
• Look both ways even if other traf-
fic has a red light or a stop sign.
– Look to the left first, since
vehicles coming from the left
are closer to you than vehicles
coming from the right.
– Look to the right.
– Take one more look to the left
in case there is a vehicle or a
pedestrian you did not see the
first time.
• Do not rely on traffic signals.
Some drivers do not obey traffic
signals; so, before you enter an
intersection, look left, right, and
ahead for approaching traffic.
To maintain a space cushion on each
side of your vehicle:
• Do not stay in another driver’s
blind spot. The other driver may
not see your vehicle and could
change lanes and hit you.
• Avoid driving directly along-
side other vehicles on multilane
streets with or without traffic in
the opposite direction. Another
driver might crowd your lane or
change lanes without looking and
crash into you. Drive either ahead
of or behind the other vehicle.
• If possible and when safe, make
room for vehicles entering free-
ways even though you have the
right-of-way.
• At freeway exits, do not drive
alongside other cars. A driver
may decide to exit suddenly or
swerve back onto the freeway.
• Keep a space between your ve-
hicle and parked cars. Someone
may step out from between them,
a vehicle door may open, or a ve-
hicle may pull out suddenly.
• Be careful when driving near mo-
torcyclists or bicyclists. Always
leave plenty of room between
your vehicle and any motorcy-
clists or bicyclists.
Know What Is Behind You
It is very important to check behind
you before you:
• Change lanes. Look over your
shoulder to make sure you are not
getting in the way of vehicles in
the lane you want to enter.
• Reduce your speed. Take a quick
glance in your mirrors. Also
check your mirrors when you
are preparing to turn into a side
road or driveway and when you
are stopping to pull into a park-
ing space.
• Drive down a long or steep
hill. Watch for large vehicles
- 48 -
because they can gather speed
very quickly.
• Back up. Backing up is always
dangerous because it is hard to
see behind your vehicle. When
you are backing out of a parking
space:
– Check in front and behind the
vehicle before you get in.
– Know where your kids are.
Make sure they are away from
your vehicle and in full view
before moving your vehicle.
– If other children are nearby,
make sure you can see them
before backing up.
– Do not depend only on your
mirrors or only looking out a
side window.
– Turn and look over your right
and left shoulders before you
begin backing. As a safety
measure, also look over your
right and left shoulders again
while backing.
– Back slowly to avoid collisions.
Check traffic behind you often to
know if you are being tailgated (an-
other driver is following too close-
ly). If you are being tailgated, be
careful! Brake slowly before stop-
ping. Tap your brakes lightly a few
times to warn the tailgater you are
slowing down.
“Lose” the tailgater as soon as you
can. Change lanes and allow the
tailgater to pass you, or slow down
to allow enough “cushion” between
you and the car in front of you. If this
does not work, pull off the road when
it is safe and let the tailgater pass.
Clean Windows and Mirrors
Keep your windshield and side
windows clean inside and outside.
Bright sun or headlights on a dirty
window make it hard to see out.
Clear off ice, frost, or dew from all
windows before you drive.
Make sure you can see and be seen.
If you drive in rain or snow, you may
have to stop sometimes to wipe mud
or snow off your windshield, head-
lights, and taillights.
Adjust Seat and Mirrors
Adjust your seat before you put on
your seat belt. You should sit high
enough to see the road. If you still
cannot see, use a seat cushion.
Adjust your rear and side mirrors be-
fore you start driving. If your vehicle
has a day/night mirror, learn how to
use it. The night setting reduces the
headlight glare from the cars behind
you and helps you see well.
How Well Can You Stop?
If something is in your path, you
need to see it in time to stop. As-
suming you have good tires, good
brakes, and dry pavement:
• At 55 mph, it takes about 400 feet
to react and bring the vehicle to a
complete stop.
• At 35 mph, it takes about 210 feet
to react and bring the vehicle to a
complete stop.
Adjust your driving speed to the
weather and road conditions (refer
to the “Basic Speed Law” in the
- 49 -
“Speed Limits” section on page
28). Turn on your lights during the
day, if it is hard to see or you cannot
see at least 1,000 feet ahead of you.
DRIVING IN THE FOG
The best advice for driving in the
fog is DON’T. You should consider
postponing your trip until the fog
clears. However, if you must drive,
then drive slowly, turn on your
windshield wipers, and use your low
beam headlights. The light from the
high beam headlights will reflect
back and cause glare.
Never drive with just your park-
ing or fog lights.
Increase your following distance and
be prepared to stop within the space
you can see ahead. Avoid crossing or
passing lanes of traffic unless abso-
lutely necessary. Listen for traffic
you cannot see. Use your wipers and
defroster as necessary for best vision.
If the fog becomes so thick that you
can barely see, pull completely off
the road. Do not continue driving
until you can see well. Turn off
your lights and keep your foot off
the brake pedal or someone may
see your taillights, think you are
moving, and drive into your vehicle.
DRIVING IN DARKNESS
Drive more slowly at night because
you cannot see as far ahead and
you will have less time to stop for
a hazard. Make sure you can stop
within the distance lighted by your
headlights.
Use your low beam headlights at
night when it rains. d o not drive
using only your parking lights.
Use your high beam headlights
whenever possible in open country
or dark city streets, as long as it is
not illegal. Do not blind other driv-
ers with your high beam headlights.
Dim your lights when necessary. If
another driver does not dim his or
her lights:
• Do not look directly into the on-
coming headlights.
• Look toward the right edge of
your lane.
• Watch the oncoming vehicle out
of the corner of your eye.
• Do not try to “get back” at the oth-
er driver by keeping your bright
lights on. If you do, both of you
may be blinded.
When you drive at night, remember:
• Pedestrians and bicyclists are
much harder to see at night; stay
alert for them.
• Motorcycles are also harder to see
at night because most have only
one taillight.
• More highway construction takes
place at night. Reduce your speed
in highway construction zones.
• When you leave a brightly-lit
place, drive slowly until your eyes
adjust to the darkness.
• Drive as far to the right as pos-
sible, when a vehicle with one
light drives toward you. It could
be a bicyclist or motorcyclist,
- 50 -
but it could also be a vehicle with
a missing headlight.
DRIVING IN RAIN OR SNOW
Many road pavements are the most
slippery when it first starts to rain or
snow because oil and dust have not
yet washed away. Slow down at the
first sign of rain, drizzle, or snow on
the road. Turn on your windshield
wipers, low-beam headlights, and
defroster.
In a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm,
you may not be able to see more
than 100 feet ahead of your vehi-
cle. When you cannot see any far-
ther than 100 feet, you cannot safely
drive faster than 30 mph. You may
have to stop from time to time to
wipe mud or snow off your wind-
shield, headlights, and taillights.
If you drive in snowy areas, carry
the correct number of chains and be
sure they will fit your drive wheels.
Learn how to put the chains on be-
fore you need to use them.
DRIVING IN HILL COUNTRY OR
CURVES
You never know what is on the
other side of a steep hill or a sharp
curve. When you come to a hill or
curve, slow down so you can stop for
any hazard. You must drive slowly
enough to stop.
Any time your view is blocked by a
hill or a curve, you should assume
there is another vehicle ahead of
you. Only pass the vehicle if a hill or
curve is at least one-third of a mile
away, because you need at least that
much room to pass safely.
Do not drive on the left side of the
road when coming to a curve or the
top of a hill, because you cannot
see far enough ahead to know if it
is safe to pass.
HORN, HEADLIGHTS, AND
EMERGENCY SIGNALS
Use Your Horn
• Only when necessary, to avoid
collisions.
• To try to get “eye contact” with
other drivers. You may tap your
horn to alert another driver who
might turn in front of you and
cause a collision.
• On nar row mount ai n roads,
where you cannot see at least 200
feet ahead of your vehicle.
Do Not Use Your Horn
• If a driver or bicyclist is going
slowly, and you want him or her
to drive faster or get out of your
way. The driver or bicyclist may
not be able to safely go faster, due
to illness, being lost, intoxication,
or having mechanical problems
with the vehicle.
• To alert other drivers that they
made a mistake. Your honking
may cause them to make more
mistakes or to become angry and
retaliate.
• Because you may be angry or
upset.
• To honk at pedestrians, bicyclists,
or motorcyclists unless necessary
- 51 -
to avoid a collision. Remember
that your horn sounds much loud-
er outside a vehicle.
NOTE: Honking your horn may
startle other drivers. It is safer
to slow down or stop instead of
honking your horn.
Use Your Headlights
• When it is cloudy, raining, snow-
ing, or foggy. If weather con-
ditions require you to use your
windshield wipers, you must turn
on your low-beam headlights —
it’s the law.
• On frosty mornings, when other
drivers’ windows may be icy or
“fogged.”
• Any time conditions (clouds, rain,
snow, dust, smoke, fog, etc.) pre-
vent you from seeing other ve-
hicles. Other drivers may have
trouble seeing you, too.
• On small country or mountain
roads, even on sunny days. This
helps other drivers see you and
may help you avoid a head-on
crash.
• When necessary to get another
driver’s attention.
Use Your Emergency Signals
If you can see a collision ahead,
warn the drivers behind you by turn-
ing on your emergency flashers or
tapping your brake pedal quickly
three or four times. You can also
use the hand signal when slowing
and stopping.
Never stop on the road, unless nec-
essary for safety or to obey a law. If
you need to stop, then start braking
early as a signal to the cars behind
you. If your vehicle breaks down
on the road, make sure that other
drivers can see it. If you experience
vehicle trouble, and need to stop,
follow these rules:
• Pull off the road away from all
traffic, if possible.
• If you cannot get completely off
the road, stop where people can
see you and your vehicle from be-
hind. Do not stop just over a hill
or just around a curve.
• Turn on your emergency flash-
ers if you are not moving. If your
vehicle doesn’t have emergency
flashers, turn signals may be used
instead.
• If it is safe, lift the hood to signal
an emergency.
• Give other drivers plenty of warn-
ing. Place emergency flares or
triangles 200–300 feet behind
the vehicle. This allows other
drivers time to change lanes, if
necessary. Be very careful when
using f lares. They may cause
fires, especially when used near
flammable liquids.
• If you do not have emergency
f lares, follow the rules listed
above and stay in your vehicle
until help arrives. Be careful for
your safety and stay off the road.
REmEmb ER: Do not try to
change a tire if it means you have
to stand in a traffic lane.
- 52 -
FOLLOWING DISTANCES
Taking Dangers One at a Time
Suppose there is an oncoming vehi-
cle to your left and a child on a bicy-
cle to your right. Instead of driving
between the vehicle and the child,
take one danger at a time. First, slow
down and let the vehicle pass. Then,
move to the left to allow plenty of
room to pass the child.
Splitting the Difference
Sometimes there will be dangers on
both sides of the road at the same
time. For example, there will be
parked cars to the right and oncom-
ing cars to the left. In this case, the
best thing to do is “split the differ-
ence.” Steer a middle course be-
tween the oncoming cars and the
parked cars.
If one danger is greater than the
other, give the most room to the
most dangerous situation. Suppose
there are oncoming cars on your left
side and a child on a bike on your
right side. The child is more likely
to make a sudden move. Therefore,
slow down, and if safe, use as much
of your lane to the left as possible
until you pass the child.
Problem Drivers
Increase your following distance
and allow a bigger space cushion
for drivers who may be potential-
ly dangerous. Persons who present
dangers are:
• Drivers who cannot see you be-
cause their view is blocked by
buildings, trees, or other cars.
• Drivers backing out of driveways
or parking spaces.
• Drivers who pass you when there
is a curve or oncoming vehicle(s)
ahead.
• Drivers about to be forced into
your lane to avoid a vehicle, a pe-
destrian, a bicyclist, an obstruc-
tion, or because of fewer lanes
ahead.
• Pedestrians with umbrellas in
front of their faces or hats pulled
down over their eyes.
• Distracted people, such as:
– Delivery persons.
– Construction workers.
– Children, who often run into
the street without looking.
– Drivers talking on cell phones
or speaking to their passengers.
– Drivers taking care of chil-
dren, eating, or looking at maps
while driving.
• Confused people, such as:
– Tourists, often at complicated
intersections.
– Drivers who are looking for
a house number or who slow
down for no apparent reason.
MERGING IN/OUT OF TRAFFIC
Whenever you enter traffic, signal
and be sure you have enough room
to safely enter the lane. You have to
share space with traffic already on
the road, and you must know how
much space you need to merge with
traffic, cross or enter traffic, and exit
out of traffic.
- 53 -
Space to Merge
Enter the freeway at or near the
speed of traffic. (Remember that
the maximum speed allowed is
65 mph on most freeways.) d o not
stop before merging into free-
way traffic, unless it is absolutely
necessary. Freeway traffic has the
right-of-way.
Any time you merge with other traf-
fic, you need a gap of at least four
seconds, which gives both, you and
the other vehicle, only a two-second
following distance. When it is safe,
go back to following the “three-
second rule” (refer to the “Do not
be a tailgater!” section on page 47).
• Do not try to squeeze into a gap
that is too small. Leave yourself
a big enough space cushion.
• Watch for vehicles around you.
Use your mirrors and turn signals.
Turn your head to look quickly
over your shoulder before chang-
ing lanes or merging in traffic.
Leave three seconds of space be-
tween you and the vehicle ahead
of you. Make sure you can stop
safely, if necessary.
• If you need to cross several free-
way lanes, cross them one at a
time. If you wait until all of the
lanes are clear, you may cause
traffic delays or a collision.
Space to Cross or Enter
Whenever you cross or enter city
or highway traffic from a full stop,
you will need a large enough gap
(from vehicles approaching in either
direction) to get up to the speed of
other vehicles. You need a gap that
is about:
• Half a block on city streets.
• A full block on the highway.
If you are crossing lanes or turning,
make sure there are no vehicles or
people blocking the path ahead or
to the sides of your vehicle. You do
not want to be caught in an inter-
section with traffic coming at you.
Even if you have the green light,
do not start across the intersec-
tion, if there are vehicles blocking
your way.
When turning left, do not start the
turn just because an approaching
vehicle has its right turn signal on.
The driver may plan to turn just be-
yond you, or the signal may have
been left on from an earlier turn.
This is particularly true of motor-
cycles. Their signal lights often do
not turn off automatically. Wait un-
til the other driver actually starts to
turn before you continue.
Space to Exit
When you plan to exit the freeway,
give yourself plenty of time. You
should know the name or number
of the freeway exit you want as well
as the one that comes before it. To
exit safely:
• Signal, look over your shoulder,
and change lanes one at a time,
until you are in the proper lane to
exit the freeway.
• Signal your intention to exit for
approximately five seconds be-
fore reaching the exit.
- 54 -
• Be sure you are at the proper
speed for leaving the traffic lane–
not too fast (so you remain in con-
trol) and not too slow (so the flow
of traffic can still move freely).
PASSING OTHER TRAFFIC
Space and Speed to Pass
Always signal before passing. Do
not pull out to pass unless you know
you have enough space to pull back
into your lane.
Avoid passing other vehicles, in-
cluding motorcycles and bicycles,
on two-lane roads; it is dangerous.
Every time you pass, you increase
your chances of having a collision.
However, when you pass a bicyclist,
be patient. Slow down and pass
him/her only when it is safe. Do not
squeeze the bicyclist off the road.
At highway speeds of 50–55 mph,
you need a 10–12 second gap in on-
coming traffic to pass safely. At 55
mph, you will travel over 800 feet in
10–12 seconds; so will an oncoming
vehicle. That means you need over
1,600 feet (or about one-third of a
mile) to pass safely. It is harder to
see and judge the speed of oncoming
vehicles that are traveling one-third
of a mile or more away from you.
You must judge whether or not you
have enough room to pass whenever
you approach:
• An oncoming vehicle.
• A hill or a curve.
• An intersection.
• A road obstruction.
Vehicles appear to move slower than
they really are moving. A vehicle
that is far enough away generally
appears to be standing still. In fact,
if you can see it moving closer to
you, it is probably too close for you
to start to pass.
Space to Return
Before you return to your driving
lane, be sure you are not danger-
ously close to the vehicle you have
just passed. One way to do this is to
look for the vehicle in your inside
rear view mirror. When you can see
both headlights in your rear view
mirror, you have enough room to
return to your driving lane. Do not
count on having enough time to pass
several vehicles at once or that oth-
er drivers will make room for you.
SHARING THE ROAD
LARGE TRUCKS (BIG RIGS)
AND RVS
To reduce the chance of having a
collision with a large truck or RV,
you must be familiar with a big
rig’s physical capabilities and how
it maneuvers.
Braking
Large trucks take longer to stop than
vehicles traveling at the same speed.
The average passenger vehicle trav-
eling at 55 mph can stop within 400
feet. However, a large truck travel-
ing at the same speed can take al-
most 800 feet to stop. Do not move
in front of a large truck and suddenly
- 55 -
slow down or stop. The trucker will
not be able to stop quickly enough
to avoid crashing into you.
Trucker’s Blind Spots—the “No
Zone”
Shaded areas are the driver’s blind
spots.
Passenger vehicle drivers incor-
rectly assume that a trucker can see
the road better because he or she is
higher off the road. While truckers
do have a better forward view and
bigger mirrors, they still have large
blind spots and your vehicle can get
lost in those blind spots. If you stay
in those blind spots, you block the
trucker’s ability to take evasive ac-
tion to avoid a dangerous situation.
Generally speaking, if you cannot
see the truck driver in his or her side
mirror, he or she cannot see you.
These blind spots are often called
the “NO ZONE.”
Turning
When a vehicle makes a t urn, the
rear wheels follow a shorter path
than the front wheels. The longer the
vehicle, the greater the difference in
the turning path. This is why big rig
drivers must often swing wide to
complete a right turn. When you fol-
low a big rig, look at its turn signals
before you start to pass. If the truck
appears to be turning left, check the
turn signals again; the driver may
actually be turning right but first
swinging wide.
Maneuverability
Trucks are designed to transport
products and they are not as ma-
neuverable as passenger vehicles.
Large trucks have longer stopping
and starting distances. They take
more space for turns and they weigh
more. On multilane highways and
freeways, large trucks usually stay
in the center portion of the lane to
help the flow of traffic. This also
increases the trucker’s options if he
or she must change lanes to avoid
a hazard.
Avoid these mistakes when driving
around large trucks:
• Cutting off a truck in traffic
or on the highway to reach an
exit or turn. Cutting into the
open space in front of a truck is
dangerous. Trying to beat a truck
through a single-lane construc-
tion zone, for example, removes
the truck driver’s cushion of
safety and places you in danger.
Slow down and take your turn
entering the construction zone.
Do not speed up to pass a truck,
so you can exit the roadway. Take
a moment to slow down and exit
behind a truck—it will only take
you a few extra seconds.
• Lingering alongside a truck
when passing. Always pass a
large truck on the left side, and
after you pass the truck, move
- 56 -
ahead of it. Do not linger. Other-
wise, you make it very difficult, if
not impossible, for the trucker to
take evasive action if an obstacle
appears in the road ahead.
• Following too closely or tailgat-
ing. When you follow so closely
behind a truck that you cannot see
the truck driver’s side view mir-
rors, the trucker cannot see you
and has no way of knowing you
are there. Tailgating a t ruck, or
any vehicle, is dangerous because
you take away your own cushion
of safety if the vehicle in front of
you stops quickly.
• Underestimating the size and
speed of an approaching trac-
tor-trailer. A large tractor-trailer
often appears to be traveling at a
slower speed because of its large
size. Many collisions involving
a passenger vehicle and a large
truck occur at intersections, when
the passenger vehicle driver did
not realize how close the truck
was or how fast it was traveling.
BUSES, STREETCARS, AND
TROLLEYS
Do not drive through a safety zone.
This is a space set aside for pedes-
trians, and marked by raised buttons
or markers on a roadway.
When people are boarding or leav-
ing a streetcar or trolley where there
is no safety zone, stop behind the
vehicle’s nearest door or vehicle
platform and wait until the people
have reached a safe place.
When a bus, streetcar, or trolley
is stopped at a safety zone or at
an intersection where traffic is
controlled by a police officer or
traffic signal, you may pass at no
more than 10 mph.
Do not overtake and pass any light
rail vehicle or streetcar on the
left side, whether it is moving or
standing.
EXCEPTIONs:
• When you are on a one-way street.
• When the tracks are so close to
the right side that you cannot pass
on the right.
• When a traffic officer directs you
to pass on the left.
LIGHT-RAIL VEHICLES
Light-rail vehicles have the same
right s and responsibilit ies on
public roadways as other vehicles.
Although everyone must follow the
same traffic laws, light-rail vehicles
require exceptional handling ability
because of their size.
Safely share the road with light-rail
vehicles by:
• Being aware of where light-rail
vehicles operate. Buildings, trees,
etc., cause blind spots for the
trolley operator.
• Never t urning in front of an
approaching light-rail vehicle.
- 57 -
Do not turn in front of light-rail
vehicles.
• Maintaining a safe distance from
the light-rail vehicle if it shares a
street with vehicular traffic.
Safety Zones are marked by dotted
white lines.
• Looking for approaching light-
rail vehicles before you turn
across the tracks. Complete your
turn only if a signal indicates you
may proceed.
NOTE: Light-rail vehicles can in-
terrupt traffic signals. Do not pro-
ceed until the signal light indicates
you may proceed.
EMERGENCY VEHICLES
You must yield the right-of-way to
any police vehicle, fire engine, am-
bulance, or other emergency vehicle
using a siren and red lights. Drive
to the right edge of the road and
stop until the emergency vehicle(s)
have passed. However, never stop
in an intersection. If you are in an
intersection when you see an emer-
gency vehicle, continue through the
intersection and then, drive to the
right as soon as it is safe and stop.
Emergency vehicles often use the
wrong side of the street to continue
on their way. They sometimes use a
loud speaker to talk to drivers block-
ing their path.
Yield to emergency vehicles.
You must obey any traffic direction,
order, or signal given by a traffic or
police officer, or a firefighter even
if it conflicts with existing signs,
signals, or laws.
It is against the law to follow with-
in 300 feet behind any fire engine,
police vehicle, ambulance, or other
emergency vehicle with a siren or
flashing lights (CVC §21706).
If you drive for sight-seeing purpos-
es to the scene of a fire, collision, or
other disaster, you may be arrested.
Casual observers interfere with the
essential services of police, fire-
fighter, ambulance crews, or other
rescue or emergency personnel.
SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES
Some vehicles are not designed to
keep up with the speed of traffic.
Farm tractors, animal-drawn carts,
and road maintenance vehicles usu-
ally travel 25 mph or less. Slow-
moving vehicles have an orange/
- 58 -
red triangle on the back of the ve-
hicles. It looks like the sign in the
picture below. Look for these ve-
hicles and adjust your speed before
you reach them.
A Slow-Moving Vehicle
Also, be aware that large trucks, bi-
cyclists, and small-underpowered
cars lose speed on long or steep hills
and take longer to get up to speed
when entering traffic.
Other types of slow-moving motor-
ized vehicles, such as wheelchairs,
scooters, Neighborhood Electric
Vehicles (NEVs) and golf carts may
legally operate on public roads. Ad-
just your speed accordingly to ac-
commodate them.
NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC
VEHICLES (NEV) AND LOW-
SPEED VEHICLES (LSV)
You may have seen lanes marked as
NEV us E ONLY on roadways in
some California towns, especially
those near retirement communi-
ties and golf courses. NEVs and
LSVs are restricted from roadways
where the speed limit is greater than
35 mph (CVC §§385.5 and 21260).
The NEV and LSV vehicles reach a
maximum speed of 25 mph.
Owners of registered NEVs and
LSVs must comply with financial
responsibility laws and a driver
license is required to operate the
vehicle.
ANIMAL-DRAWN VEHICLES
Horse-drawn vehicles and riders of
horses or other animals are entitled
to share the road with motor vehi-
cles. It is a t raffic offense to scare
horses or stampede livestock. Slow
down or stop, if necessary, or when
requested to do so by the riders or
herders.
MOTORCYCLES
Motorcyclists have the same rights
and responsibilities as automobile
drivers. While everyone must fol-
low the same traffic laws, motor-
cyclists face additional dangers
because motorcycles require ex-
ceptional handling ability and are
harder to see. Therefore, many mo-
torcycles keep their headlight on
even during daylight hours.
From ahead or behind, a motorcy-
cle’s outline, whether 2 or 3 wheels,
is much smaller than a passenger ve-
hicle’s outline. Most drivers expect
to see larger vehicles on the road
and are not looking for motorcycles.
Motorcyclists can do many things
to make it easier for others to rec-
ognize them while increasing their
chances of being seen.
• Wear a bright-colored jacket,
vest, and a helmet.
• Wear reflective material on hel-
mets and clothes.
• Use turn signals when planning
to change lanes or turn.
- 59 -
• Flash their brake lights before
slowing down to help others no-
tice the motorcycle.
Follow these rules to respect the
right-of-way and safely share the
road with motorcyclists:
• When you change lanes or enter
a major thoroughfare, make a vi-
sual check for motorcycles. Also
use your mirrors. Motorcycles
are small and can easily disap-
pear into a vehicle’s blind spots.
• Allow a four-second following
distance. You will need this space
to avoid hitting the motorcyclist,
if he or she brakes suddenly or
falls off the motorcycle. Motor-
cycles generally can stop faster
than passenger vehicles.
• Allow the motorcycle a full lane
width. Although it is not illegal
to share lanes with motorcycles,
it is unsafe.
• Never try to pass a motorcycle
in the same lane you are sharing
with the motorcycle.
• When you make a turn, check
for motorcyclists and gauge their
speed before turning.
• Look carefully for motorcyclists
before opening doors next to
moving traffic or before turning
right.
• Motorcycles may travel faster
than traffic during congested
road conditions and can legally
travel in the unused space be-
tween two lines of moving or
stationary vehicles; this is com-
monly called “lane splitting.”
• Remember that road conditions,
which are minor annoyances to
you, pose major hazards to mo-
torcyclists. Potholes, gravel, wet
or slippery surfaces, pavement
seams, railroad crossings, and
grooved pavement can cause mo-
torcyclists to change speed or di-
rection suddenly. If you are aware
of the effect of these conditions
and drive with care and attention,
you can help reduce motorcyclist
injuries and fatalities. For more
information regarding motorcy-
cle safety, contact the Califor-
nia Motorcyclist Safety Program
at 1-877-RIDE-411 or www.ca-
msp.org.
BICYCLES
Bicyclists:
• Are entitled to share
the road with motor
vehicles.
• Have the same rights
and responsibilities
as motor vehicle and
motorcycle drivers.
• Must obey all traffic signals and
stop signs.
• Are lawfully permitted to ride
on certain sections of roadway
in rural areas where there is no
alternate route.
• Must ride in the same direction
as other traffic, not against it.
- 60 -
STOP, LOOK
BEFORE CROSSING
RIDE A STRAIGHT LINE—DON’T TURN IN AND OUT
BETWEEN PARKED CARS. LEAVE SPACE TO AVOID
SUDDENLY OPENED DOORS.
MERGE LEFT TO PASS
VEHICLE TURNING RIGHT
Turns for bicyclists
Intersections with special lanes
• Shall ride as near to the right curb
or edge of the roadway as practi-
cal–not on the sidewalk.
• Are legally allowed to ride in the
center of the lane when moving at
the same speed as other traffic.
• May move left to pass a parked or
moving vehicle, bicycle, animal,
or avoid debris or other hazards.
• May choose to ride near the left
curb or edge of a one-way street.
• Should ride single file on a busy
or narrow street.
• Must make left and right turns in
the same way drivers do, using the
same turn lanes. If the bicyclist
is traveling straight ahead, he or
she should use a through traffic
lane rather than ride next to the
curb and block traffic making
right turns.
• Must signal all their intentions
to motorists and bicyclists near
them.
• Must wear a helmet if under the
age of 18.
• Should carry identification.
• Shall not operate a bicycle on
a roadway unless the bicycle is
equipped with:
– A brake which will enable the
operator to make one braked
wheel skid on dry, level, clean
pavement.
During darkness, bicyclists must
have the following equipment:
• A front lamp emitting a white
light visible from a distance of
300 feet.
• A rear red reflector visible from
a distance of 500 feet.
• A white or yellow reflector on
each pedal or on the bicyclist’s
shoes or ankles visible from a
distance of 200 feet.
PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND
Pedestrians using guide dogs or
white canes with or without a red
tip must be given the right-of-way
at all times. These pedestrians are
partially or totally blind.
When these pedestrians are in your
vicinity, be especially careful when
turning corners or backing up, par-
ticularly if you are driving a quiet
hybrid vehicle.
Here are some suggestions for help-
ing pedestrians who are blind:
- 61 -
• At a stop light or sign, do not
stop your vehicle more than 5
feet from the crosswalk, unless
there is an advance stop bar
(line). A blind pedestrian uses the
sound of your engine as a guide,
so drive up to the crosswalk to
allow the person to hear you.
ImPORTANT: Drivers of elec-
tric and hybrid vehicles must be
extra alert to blind pedestrians,
as they may be unaware of your
presence due to the nearly silent
nature of these vehicles.
• Stop at all crosswalks where pe-
destrians are waiting. Wait for
the pedestrian to cross the street.
• Do not stop in the middle of a
crosswalk. This forces the blind
pedestrian to go around your ve-
hicle and into traffic outside of
the crosswalk.
• Do not give the blind pedestrian
verbal directions. A blind pedes-
trian listens to all traffic sounds
before deciding to cross the street.
• Do not wait too long for the
blind pedestrian to cross the
street. When a blind person pulls
in his or her cane and steps away
from the intersection, this gesture
usually means for you to go.
• Do not turn right without look-
ing first. Look for any pedestri-
ans, especially blind pedestrians
or traffic, before starting your
turn. Blind pedestrians who have
a green light are not expecting
a driver to make a right turn in
front of them. Turning may result
in the blind pedestrian becoming
disoriented and vulnerable to be-
ing hit by another right turning
vehicle when attempting to cross
the street.
• Do not honk your horn at a
blind person. The blind person
has no idea who you are honk-
ing at and may be startled by the
noise.
• Do not block any sidewalk.
ROAD WORKERS AND
WORK ZONES (“CONE ZONES”)
Pay close attention when road work
is being performed. Signs and mes-
sage boards warn you of workers,
slow-moving equipment, and closed
lanes ahead. Cones and/or drums
will guide you through
the work zone. Merge
as soon as it is safe to do
so and without crossing
the cones or drums. Re-
duce your speed and be
prepared to slow down
or stop for highway equipment. In
work zones where lanes are nar-
row or where the shoulder is closed,
watch for bicycles and “share the
road” when they are present.
The most common cause of deaths
and injuries in work zones is rear-
end collisions. In fact, most of the
people killed in work zones are driv-
ers and passengers. For your own
safety and the safe-
ty of your passen-
gers remember to
pass the work zone
carefully, slow down,
- 62 -
allow extra following room between
vehicles, merge early, expect sudden
slowing or stopping, watch for driv-
ers changing lanes at the last minute,
and avoid distractions while driving
in the “Cone Zone.” Distractions in-
clude using your hands-free cell
phone, reading/sending text mes-
sages, and/or operating your GPS
and entertainment systems. Fines for
traffic violations in the “Cone Zone”
can be up to $1,000 or more. Anyone
convicted of assaulting a highway
worker faces fines of up to $2,000
and imprisonment for up to one year.
Keep your eyes on the road and other
vehicles around you. Do not stop or
slow down to watch the road work.
Obey special signs or instructions
from workers (flaggers). Driving
carefully through work zones im-
proves safety for drivers, pedestri-
ans, bicyclists, and road workers.
Remember to “s low for the Cone
Zone.”
DOUBLE FINE ZONES
Due to increased collision-relat-
ed injuries and fatalities, certain
roads are designated as “Safety En-
hanced-Double Fine Zones.” Fines
for violations are doubled in these
zones and also in highway construc-
tion or maintenance zones when
workers are present (CVC §42010).
MOVE OVER AND SLOW DOWN
Drivers are required to move over
and slow down when approaching
a stationary emergency vehicle or
tow truck that is displaying flashing
amber warning lights, or a vehicle
marked Department of Transpor-
tation (CalTrans) that is displaying
emergency flashing or amber warn-
ing lights while it is stopped on the
side of a state highway or freeway.
The law is designed to reduce the
deaths of police officers, tow truck
drivers, paramedics, CalTrans em-
ployees, and other emergency per-
sonnel who are aiding stranded or
injured motorists or involved in road
work. Use caution if lane changes
are required.
VEHICLES WITH HAZARDOUS
LOADS
- 78 -
Red and White Regulatory Signs
Highway Construction and Maintenance Signs
Guide Signs
Hazardous Loads Placards
White Regulatory Signs
A diamond-shaped sign on a truck
means that the load on the truck
is potentially dangerous (gas, ex-
plosives, etc.). California Highway
Patrol (CHP) or fire department of-
ficers know what to do if the load is
accidentally spilled. Vehicles which
display these signs are required to
stop before crossing railroad tracks.
IMPORTANT DRIVING
TIPS
Safe driving requires personal re-
sponsibility to use sound judgment,
reflexes, experience, and common
sense—every time you are behind
the wheel of a vehicle. Another im-
portant element of safe driving is
courtesy. Be courteous at all times!!!
- 63 -
• Use your horn for emergencies
only.
Prevent a potentially violent inci-
dent by:
• Avoiding eye contact with an an-
gry driver.
• Giving an angry driver plenty of
space.
Take the questionnaire on the next
page to determine the type of driv-
er you are.
TEXT MESSAGING AND
CELL PHONES
It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle
while using an electronic wireless
communication device to write,
send, or read text messages, instant
messages, and emails unless you are
18 years of age or older and using an
electronic wireless communications
device designed and configured to
allow voice-operated and hands-
free operation to dictate, send, or
listen to text-based communications
when operating a vehicle.
NOTE: Minors may not use a cell
phone except in certain emergen-
cies (refer to the “Minors and Cell
Phones” section on page 11 for ad-
ditional information).
Cell phones can be a lifesaver in
emergency situations. Use your cell
phone in the following safe and re-
sponsible ways while driving:
• With hands-free devices (except
minors).
• To call for help in an emergency.
• If your cell phone ri ngs, do
not answer it. Let the call go
DEALING WITH TRAFFIC
CONGESTION
Small changes in your driving habits
can help relieve chronic traffic con-
gestion, according to the California
Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
Avoi d t he fol lowi ng dr i vi ng
behaviors:
• Rubbernecking–slowing down
to look at collisions or virtually
anything else out of the ordinary.
• Tailgating–following too closely.
• Unnecessary lane changes–
weaving in and out of freeway
lanes.
• Inattention– eating, grooming,
talking on a cell phone, text mes-
saging, reading the newspaper,
etc.
• Operating a poorly-maintained
or malfunctioning vehicle or
running out of fuel.
DEALING WITH AGGRESSIVE
DRIVERS AND ROAD RAGE
Aggressive driving and road rage
happens when crowded roads, rush-
ing, and impatience cause one driver
to react angrily to another driver. To
avoid aggressive driving and road
rage situations:
• Allow plenty of time to reach your
destination.
• Do not cut off other drivers.
• Do not drive slowly in the left
(fast) lane.
• Do not tailgate.
• Do not make gestures to other
drivers.
- 64 -
Overtake other vehicles only
on the left.
Avoid blocking passing lanes.
Yield to faster traffic by mov-
ing to the right.
Keep to the right as much as
possible.
Maintain appropriate follow-
ing distance.
Provide appropriate distance
when cutting in after passing
vehicles.
Use headlights in cloudy,
rainy, low light conditions.
Yield to pedestrians.
Come to a complete stop at
stop signs, etc.
Stop for red traffic lights.
Approach intersections and
pedestrians at slow speeds.
Follow right-of-way rules at
four-way stops.
Drive below the posted speed
limit when conditions warrant.
Drive at slower speeds in
construction zones.
Maintain speeds appropriate
for conditions.
Use vehicle turn signals for
turns and lane changes.
Make eye contact and signal
intention where needed.
Acknowledge intention of oth-
ers.
Use your horn sparingly.
Avoid unnecessary use of
high beam headlights.
Yield and move to the right
for emergency vehicles.
Refrain from fashing head-
lights.
Make slow, deliberate U-
turns.
Maintain proper speeds
around roadway crashes.
Avoid returning inappropriate
gestures.
Avoid challenging other driv-
ers.
Try to get out of the way of
aggressive drivers.
Focus on driving and avoid
distracting activities.
DO YOU AVOID:
Driving when drowsy.
Blocking the right-turn lane.
Taking more than one parking
space.
Parking in a space desig-
nated for the disabled.
Letting your door hit the ve-
hicle parked next to you.
Using the cell phone while
driving.
Stopping in the road to talk.
Inficting loud music on neigh-
boring cars.
ARE YOU AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER?
DO YOU (Check the appropriate box):
Y N Y N
Score Yourself:
Count the number of “No” Answers
(1-3) SAFE DRIVER (4-7) GOOD DRIVER
(8-11) SEMI-AGGRESSIVE DRIVER (12+) AGGRESSIVE DRIVER
- 65 -
to voicemail, if you have this
feature.
d o not use your cell phone:
• During hazardous conditions.
• To e ngage i n di s t r a ct i ng
conversations.
COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Keep Your Car Visible
The driver’s blind spots are shown
in the graphic on page 46. If you
look only in your mirrors, you can-
not see vehicles in these blind spots.
Turn your head to see if a vehicle is
in one of these blind spots. Do not
linger in another driver’s blind spot.
As quickly as you can, drop back or
pass the vehicle.
What Is the Road Condition
The faster your speed, the less con-
trol you have of your vehicle. Rath-
er than driving at the legal posted
speed limit, consider adjusting your
driving speed for road conditions
or whatever affects the safe opera-
tion of your vehicle. For example,
should you drive 35 mph (the post-
ed speed limit) on a curve down an
icy mountain road? Many inexpe-
rienced drivers do not adjust their
driving speed for the road condi-
tions; that causes them to have more
“out-of-control” collisions than ex-
perienced drivers.
Curves
On curves, there is a s trong out-
ward pull on your vehicle, especial-
ly when the road is slippery. Rain,
mud, snow, ice, and gravel make
the road slippery. If a speed limit is
not posted before a curve, you must
judge how sharp the curve is and
adjust your speed accordingly. Slow
down before you enter the curve;
you do not know what may be ahead
(stalled car, collision, etc.). Braking
on a curve may cause you to skid.
Driving in Heavy Traffic
Drive slower in heavy traffic, so you
can stop within the available stop-
ping distance.
As a general rule, drive more slowly:
• In shopping centers, parking lots,
and downtown areas.
• On roads with heavy traffic.
• When you see the brake lights of
several vehicles ahead of you.
• Over narrow bridges and through
tunnels.
• Through toll plazas.
• Near schools, playgrounds, and
in residential areas.
Traffic Speeds
Collisions are more likely to happen
when one driver goes faster or slow-
er than the other cars on the road.
If you drive faster than other traffic,
you increase your chances of being
involved in a collision. Studies have
shown that speeding does not save
more than a few minutes in an hour
of driving time.
Driving slower than other vehicles
or stopping suddenly can be just as
dangerous as speeding, if not more
dangerous, because you may cause
a rear end collision or cause other
drivers to swerve to avoid hitting
your vehicle. If you are in the fast
- 66 -
lane and you notice vehicles mov-
ing to the right lane to pass you, or a
line of vehicles are forming behind
you, the best thing to do is move into
the right lane, when it is safe, and
let the vehicle(s) pass.
DRIVING HAZARDS
Water on the Road
Slow down when there is a lot of
water on the road. In a heavy rain
at speeds of 50 mph or more, your
tires can lose all contact with the
road and then your vehicle will be
riding on water or “hydroplaning.”
A slight change of direction or a gust
of wind could throw your vehicle
into a skid. If your vehicle starts to
hydroplane, slow down gradually–
do not apply the brakes.
Slippery Roads
Slow down at the first sign of rain,
especially after a dry spell. This is
when many roads are the most slip-
pery, because oil and dust have not
washed away. A slippery road will
not give your tires the grip they
need. Drive more slowly than you
would on a dry road. Adjust your
speed as follows:
• Wet road–go five–ten miles
slower.
• Packed snow–reduce your speed
by half.
• Ice–slow to a crawl.
Some road surfaces are more slip-
pery than others when wet and usu-
ally have warning signs posted.
Here are some clues to help you spot
slippery roads:
• On cold, wet days, shade from
trees or buildings can hide spots
of ice. These areas freeze first
and dry out last.
• Bridges and overpasses tend to
freeze before the rest of the road
does. They can hide spots of ice.
• If it starts to rain on a hot day, the
pavement can be very slippery
for the first several minutes. Heat
causes oil in the asphalt to come
to the surface. The oil makes the
road slippery until the rain wash-
es the oil off the surface of the
road.
Skids on Slippery Surfaces
A road that is normally safe can be-
come dangerous when it is slippery.
Ice and packed snow on the road can
cause your vehicle to skid, espe-
cially if you are driving too fast or
going downhill. If you start to skid:
• Ease off the gas pedal,
• Stop braking, and
• Turn the steering wheel in the di-
rection of the skid.
If you cannot control your vehicle
on a slippery surface, try to find
something to stop the skid. Try to
get a wheel on dry pavement or on
the shoulder of the road. You may
have to edge slowly into a snow bank
or some bushes to stop the vehicle.
To prevent skidding on slippery
surfaces:
• Drive slowly and stay farther be-
hind the vehicle ahead of you.
- 67 -
• Slow down as you approach
curves and intersections.
• Avoid fast turns.
• Avoid quick stops. “Pump” the
brakes to slow or stop. (Do not
pump antilock brakes.)
• Shift to low gear before going
down a steep hill.
• Avoid especially slippery areas,
such as ice patches, wet leaves,
oil, or deep puddles.
If the brakes get wet, dry them by
lightly pressing the gas pedal and
brake pedal at the same time so that
the vehicle drives against the pres-
sure of the brakes. Perform this light
pressing only until the brakes dry.
MECHANICAL TIPS
Acceleration Skids
An acceleration skid usually hap-
pens when the drive wheels lose
traction on the road surface. To
maintain control of a skidding ve-
hicle, do not apply the brakes. Ease
off the gas pedal and straighten the
front wheels as the vehicle begins
to straighten itself out.
Locked Wheel Skids
This type of skid is usually caused
by braking too hard at a high rate of
speed and locking the wheels. The
vehicle will skid no matter which
way the steering wheel is t urned.
Take your foot off the brake to un-
lock the wheels. Then, straighten
the front wheels as the vehicle be-
gins to straighten out. Slow the ve-
hicle gradually until you are at a safe
speed to continue driving.
Accelerator Malfunction
If your accelerator becomes stuck
you should:
1. Shift to neutral.
2. Apply the brakes.
3. Keep your eyes on the road.
4. Look for an alternate route away
from traffic or look for a way out.
5. Warn other drivers by honking
and flashing your emergency
lights.
6. Try to drive the car safely off
the road.
7. Stop and turn off the ignition.
WARNING: Turning the igni-
tion off while the vehicle is mov-
ing may lock the steering wheel;
you will not have control of the
steering.
Steering Wheel Locking Device
Never turn your vehicle’s ignition to
the “lock” position while it is still in
motion; the steering will lock and
you will lose control of your vehicle.
COLLISIONS ARE NOT ACCIDENTS
An “accident” implies an unfore-
seen event that occurs without any-
one’s fault or negligence. Most often
in traffic, that is not the case.
If you see a vehicle’s hazard lights
ahead, slow down. There may be
a collision or other road emergen-
cy ahead. Stop and give assistance
if asked by anyone, or pass very
carefully.
Avoid driving near collisions, if
you can. Those injured will be
helped faster if other vehicles aren’t
- 68 -
blocking the road. If you must drive
near a collision, do not stop or slow
down just to look. You may cause
another crash. Drive by carefully,
watching for people in the road.
Causes of Collisions
The most common causes of colli-
sions are:
• Driver distractions.
• Unsafe speed.
• Driving on the wrong side of the
road.
• Improper turns.
• Violating the right-of-way rules.
• Violating stop signals and signs.
Involved in a Collision
If you are involved in a collision:
• You must stop. Someone could
be injured and need your help. If
you do not stop, you may be con-
victed of “hit and run” and could
be severely punished.
• Call 9-1-1, if anyone is hurt.
• Move your vehicle out of the traf-
fic lane if no one is i njured or
killed.
• Show your driver license, regis-
tration card, evidence of finan-
cial responsibility, and current
address to the other driver, per-
sons involved, or police officer.
• You (or your insurance agent, bro-
ker, or legal representative) must
make a written report to the po-
lice or CHP within 24 hours of
the collision if someone is killed
or injured.
• You (or your insurance agent, bro-
ker, or legal representative) must
make a written report to the DMV
within 10 days.
• If you hit a parked vehicle or other
property, leave a note with your
name, phone number, and address
in or securely attached to the ve-
hicle or property you hit. Report
the collision to the city police or,
in unincorporated areas, to the
CHP.
• If your parked car rolls away and
hits another vehicle, try to find the
owner and report the incident to
authorities as mentioned above.
• If you kill or injure an animal,
call the nearest humane society,
the police, or CHP. Do not try to
move an injured animal or leave
an injured animal to die.
Reporting a Collision
When you have a collision, report it
to the DMV within 10 days if:
• More than $750 in damage was
done to the proper t y of any
person.
• Anyone was injured (no matter
how slightly) or killed.
Each driver (or the driver’s in-
surance agent, broker, or legal
representative) must file a report
with the DMV using the Report
of Traffic Accident Occurring in
California (SR 1) form. Go on-
line at www.dmv.ca.gov or call
1-800-777-0133 and ask for the
SR 1 form. The CHP or police will
not make this report for you.
- 69 -
You or your representative must
make this report whether or not you
caused the collision, even if the col-
lision occurred on private property.
Your driving privilege will be
suspended:
• If you do not make this report.
• For up to four years, if you did not
have proper insurance coverage.
During the last three years of the
suspension, your driver license
can be returned to you if you pro-
vide a California Insurance Proof
Certificate (SR 22) and maintain
it during the three-year period.
ADDITIONAL DRIVING
LAWS/RULES
THINGS YOU MUST NOT DO:
• Do not smoke at any time when
a minor is in the vehicle. You can
be fined up to $100.
• Do not dump or abandon animals
on a highway. This crime is pun-
ishable by a fine of up to $1,000,
six months in jail, or both.
• Do not operate a cell phone with-
out the use of a hands-free device
(minors, refer to the “Minors and
Cell Phones” section on page 11
for pertaining information).
• Do not drive a motor vehicle
while using a wireless communi-
cations device to write, send, or
read text-based communications.
• Do not wear a headset or earplugs
in both ears while driving.
• Do not drive a vehicle so load-
ed, either with property or peo-
ple, that you cannot control it, or
see ahead or to the sides of your
vehicle.
• It is illegal to drive any vehicle
with an unsafe, unsecured load
that is a safety hazard (CVC
24002(a)). Unsecured loads (lad-
ders, buckets, and loose items in
the back of pickup trucks) can
cause danger for other motorists,
especially motorcycles, when
they fall onto the road.
• Do not carry anything in or on a
passenger vehicle which extends
beyond the fenders on the left side
or more than 6 inches beyond the
fenders on the right side. Cargo
extending more than 4 feet from
the back of the vehicle must dis-
play a 12-inch red or fluorescent
orange square f lag or two red
lights at night.
• Do not allow anyone to ride on
any part of your vehicle not in-
tended for passengers.
• Do not allow anyone to ride in
the trunk of your vehicle. Convic-
tions will result in penalties for
both the driver and the person(s)
riding in the trunk.
• Do not allow a person to ride
in the back of a pickup or oth-
er truck, unless the vehicle is
equipped with seats and the per-
son uses both the seat and a safety
belt.
• Do not transport animals in the
back of a pickup or other truck
- 70 -
unless the animal is properly
secured.
• Do not leave a child or an animal
unattended in a hot vehicle (refer
to the “Unattended Children in
Motor Vehicles” section on page
20 and the “Hot Weather Risks”
section on page 74).
• Do not tow anyone who is riding
a bicycle, in a wagon, on roller
skates, roller blades, skis, sled,
toy vehicle, skateboard, etc.
• Do not litter the roadside. The
fine is $1,000 and you may be
forced to pick up what you threw
away. Littering convictions show
on your driving record.
• Do not wear eyeglasses with
temples wide enough to keep you
from seeing clearly to the sides.
• Do not drive a vehicle equipped
with a video monitor, if the mon-
itor is visible to the driver and
displays anything other than ve-
hicle information, global map-
ping displays, external media
player (MP3), or satellite radio
information.
• Do not honk your horn unless
it is a safety warning to avoid a
collision.
• Do not throw any cigarette, ci-
gar, or other flaming or glowing
substance from your vehicle.
• Do not shoot firearms on a high-
way or at traffic signs.
• Do not block your view by put-
ting signs or other objects on the
front windshield or the back side
windows. Do not hang objects on
the mirror. Windshield/window
stickers, etc., are permitted in
these locations only:
– A seven-inch square on either
the passenger’s side windshield
lower corner or the lower cor-
ner of the rear window.
– A five-inch square on the low-
er corner of the driver’s side
window.
– The side windows behind the
driver.
• Do not drive any motor vehicle
into a designated wilderness area
(CVC §38301.5).
• Do not drive with illegally tinted
safety glass. If you have sun-sen-
sitive skin, you may use remov-
able sun screens during daylight
travel, provided you have a letter
from your physician.
• Do not block or hinder a funeral
procession. Vehicles taking part
in a funeral procession have the
right-of-way, and if you interfere,
obstruct, or interrupt the funeral
procession, you are subject to a
citation (CVC §2817). A funeral
procession is led by a traffic of-
ficer. All vehicles taking part in
the procession have windshield
markers to identify them and have
their headlights on.
• Do not ride, or allow a child to
ride, a “pocket bike” on a public
street or highway. These vehicles
are not manufactured or designed
for highway use, and do not meet
federal safety standards.
- 71 -
• d o not operate a vehicle that has
a visual or electronic product or
device that obscures the reading
or recognition of the license plate.
• d o not alter a license plate in any
manner.
THINGS YOU MUST DO:
• You must drive as far to the right
as reasonably possible on narrow
mountain roads. If you cannot see
at least 200 feet ahead, honk your
horn.
• You must use your headlights 30
minutes after sunset and leave
them on until 30 minutes before
sunrise.
• You must dim your lights to low
beams within 500 feet of a vehicle
coming toward you or within 300
feet of a vehicle you are following.
• You must turn on your headlights
if snow, rain, fog, dust, or low vis-
ibility (1,000 feet or less) requires
the use of windshield wipers.
• If you are involved in a collision,
you must move your vehicle out
of the traffic lane (unless it is
disabled) when it is safe to do so.
Law enforcement may tow or im-
pound your vehicle if it is left in
an unsafe area and causes safety
concerns.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
SAFETY FOR THE AGING DRIVER
The department has published a
handbook specifically for senior
drivers. Please go online at www.
dmv.ca.gov to view or download
a copy of the Senior Guide for
Safe Driving (DL 625), call 1-800-
777-0133 to request a copy to be
mailed, or contact the Senior Driver
Ombudsman Program in your area:
Los Angeles/Oxnard
(310) 412-6103
Northern California/Sacramento
(916) 657-6464
Orange County/San Diego
(714) 705-1588
San Francisco/Oakland
(510) 563-8998
GOOD VISION FOR ALL DRIVERS
You need good vision to drive safely.
If you cannot see clearly, you can-
not judge distances or spot trouble,
and you will not be able to make the
best judgments. You also need to
see peripherally or “out of the cor-
ner of your eye” to spot cars com-
ing up beside you while your eyes
are on the road ahead.
You may see clearly and still not be
able to judge distances. You need
good distance judgment so you
know how far you are from other
cars. Many people who may see
clearly in the daytime have trouble
seeing clearly at night. Some peo-
ple see poorly in dim light. Others
may have trouble with the glare of
headlights.
Have your eyes checked every year
or two. You may never know about
poor peripheral vision or poor dis-
tance judgment, unless you have
your eyes checked by a healthcare
professional.
- 72 -
HEARING
Hearing is more important to driv-
ing than many people realize. The
sound of horns, a siren, or screech-
ing tires can warn you of danger.
Sometimes you can hear a vehicle
but cannot see it, especially if it is
in your blind spots.
Even people with good hearing can-
not hear well if the radio or CD play-
er is blaring. Do not wear a headset
or earplugs in both ears while driv-
ing; it is against the law.
Hearing problems, like bad eye-
sight, can come on so slowly that
you do not notice them. Have your
hearing checked periodically. Driv-
ers that are deaf or hearing-impaired
can adjust their driver safety hab-
its by relying more on their seeing
sense and therefore, compensate for
the loss of hearing.
ALERTNESS
When you are tired, you are less
alert. The body naturally wants
to sleep at night. Most drivers are
less alert at night, especially after
midnight. You may not be able to
see hazards or react as quickly as
when you are rested and alert; so,
your chances of having a crash may
be greater.
To keep from becoming tired on a
long trip:
• Get a normal night’s sleep before
you start on your trip.
• Do not take any drugs that can
make you drowsy.
• Do not drive long hours; try not
to drive late at night.
• Take regular rest stops even if you
are not tired.
• Keep shifting your eyes from one
part of the road to another. Look
at objects near and far, left and
right.
• Try chewing gum or singing
along with the radio/CD.
• Roll your window down to get
some fresh air.
• Alternate drivers.
If you are tired all the time and fall
asleep often during the day, ask
your physician to check for a sleep
disorder.
MEDICATIONS
Remember that all medications, pre-
scription or over-the-counter, are
potentially dangerous and can im-
pair your driving. Over-the-counter
medicines that you take for colds
and allergies can make you drowsy
and affect your driving ability. If
you must take medication before
driving, find out the effects of the
medication from your physician or
pharmacist. It is your responsibil-
ity to know the effects of the medi-
cations you take.
Before you decide to drive, do not:
• Mix medications, unless directed
by your physician.
• Take medications prescribed for
someone else.
• Mix alcohol with your medications
(prescribed or over-the-counter).
- 73 -
HOT WEATHER RISKS
As stated in the “Unattended Chil-
dren in Motor Vehicles” section on
page 20, it is against the law to leave
unattended minor children in a ve-
hicle. Additionally, and equally im-
portant, it is dangerous and deadly
to leave children and/or animals in
a hot vehicle. After sitting in the
sun, with even a slightly opened
window, the temperature can rise
rapidly inside a parked vehicle. The
temperature inside a vehicle can rise
approximately 40-50 degrees higher
than the outside temperature.
Dehydration, heat stroke, and death
can result from overexposure to the
heat. Remember if it’s too hot for
you, it’s too hot for children and pets.
HEALTH AND EMOTIONS
Your personality affects the way
you drive. Do not let your emotions
interfere with safe driving. Use all
of your good judgment, common
sense, and courtesy when you drive.
Follow all the recommended safe
driving rules.
Discuss health concerns such as
poor vision, heart problems, dia-
betes, or epilepsy with your physi-
cian and follow his or her advice.
Notify the DMV if you have a con-
dition that might affect your ability
to drive safely.
CONDITIONS PHYSICIANS MUST
REPORT
Physicians and surgeons are re-
quired to report patients at least
14 years of age and older who are
diagnosed as having lapses of con-
sciousness, Alzheimer’s disease, or
related disorders (California Health
& Safety Code §103900).
Although not required by law, your
physician may report to the DMV
any other medical condition that he
or she believes may affect your abil-
ity to drive safely.
SAFETY TIPS
According to the CHP, if your ve-
hicle becomes disabled on the
freeway:
• Safely pull to the right shoulder.
Ideally, park the vehicle next to
a call box, if possible. (There is
a call box located every quarter
mile to two miles.)
• If you must exit the vehicle, exit
on the right side of your vehicle,
away from traffic.
• Once you arrange for assistance,
return to your vehicle, get back
into the vehicle from the right
side (away from traffic), and put
on your seatbelts.
• Stay inside your vehicle with the
seatbelts on until help arrives.
In certain circumstances (when
there is not enough shoulder space
or if there is a guard rail or an area
to safely stay away from the free-
way lanes), exit your vehicle and
stay away from your vehicle. Use
your emergency blinking lights at
your discretion according to weath-
er conditions. The lights may be
helpful, but they could also attract
drunk drivers.
- 74 -
The California Highway Patrol’s
Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) pro-
vides free emergency roadside ser-
vices during commute periods. If
you get stuck on the freeway be-
cause your automobile stops run-
ning, FSP will:
• Offer you a gallon of gas if you
run out.
• “Jump start” your vehicle if the
battery is dead.
• Refill your radiator and tape hoses.
• Change a flat tire.
The FSP program:
• Cannot tow your vehicle to a pri-
vate repair service or residence.
• Does not recommend tow service
companies or repair and body
shops.
• Does not tow motorcycles.
• Does not assist vehicles which
have been involved in a collision
unless directed by the CHP.
• Does report any collision to the
CHP.
If FSP cannot start your vehicle, it
will be towed free of charge to a
location approved by the CHP. FSP
will also contact additional assis-
tance for you. The CHP will notify
an auto club or towing service.
The FSP serves the following areas:
• Valley Division–the Sacramento
metro and Tracy areas
• Golden Gate Division–the San
Francisco Bay Area
• Central Division–the Fresno area
• Southern Division–the Los An-
geles Basin
• Inland Division–the Riverside
area
• Border Division–the San Diego
and Orange County areas
• Coastal Division–the Monterey
and Santa Cruz areas
Call 1-800-TELLCHP (835-5247) to
find out if the FSP operates where
you are and how to contact the FSP.
RECORD CONFIDENTIALITY
Most information in your driver li-
cense file is available to the public.
Your residence address may only
be viewed by authorized agen-
cies. Your mailing address, if dif-
ferent from your residence, is less
restricted.
Records on the physical or men-
tal condition of a driver remain
confidential.
You may obtain a copy of your driv-
ing record at any DMV office for a
fee with valid identification.
VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION TIPS
If you follow the suggestions below,
you can minimize your chances
of becoming the victim of vehicle
theft. In the United States, a ve-
hicle is stolen an average of every
21 minutes. Vehicle theft results in
costs to the victim and it increases
insurance premiums. Also, vehicle
thieves often use the stolen vehicles
to commit other crimes.
Vehicle thefts occur more often
where large groups of cars are
parked at any time of day for ex-
tended periods of time, such as
shopping centers, colleges, sporting
- 75 -
events, movie complexes, and large
apartment complexes.
Here are some tips you can use to
avoid becoming the victim of ve-
hicle theft:
• Never leave:
– Your vehicle running and unat-
tended even to dash into a store.
– The keys in the ignition.
– Keys inside a locked garage or
a hide-a-key box.
– Valuables such as purses, lap-
tops, etc., in plain view even
if your vehicle is locked. Place
them out of sight.
– Personal identification doc-
uments, such as the owner-
ship title or credit cards in the
vehicle.
• Always:
– Roll up your windows and lock
your vehicle even if it is parked
in front of your house.
– Park in high-traffic, well-light-
ed areas whenever possible.
– Report a stolen vehicle imme-
diately to the police.
• Suggestions:
– Install a mechanical device that
locks the steering wheel, col-
umn, or brakes.
– Think about purchasing a vehi-
cle theft tracking/security sys-
tem, especially if you own one
of the frequently-stolen model
vehicles.
– When you must leave your
key with a valet, attendant, or
mechanic, only leave the igni-
tion key.
– Copy your license plate and
vehicle information on a card,
and keep that information with
you and not in the car. The po-
lice will need this information,
if your vehicle is stolen.
TRAFFIC BREAKS
Traffic breaks are used by law en-
forcement to:
• Slow or stop traffic to remove
hazards from the roadway.
• Conduct emergency operations.
• Prevent traffic collisions in heavy
fog or unusually heavy traffic.
During a traffic break, the officer
turns on the rear emergency lights,
slows the vehicle, and drives across
the lanes of traffic in a serpentine
manner. To assist the officer in con-
ducting a traffic break:
• Activate your emergency flash-
ers to warn other drivers there is
a hazard ahead.
• Slowly begin to decrease your
speed. Do not slow abruptly un-
less it is necessary to avoid a col-
lision. Slow to the same speed as
the officer while keeping a safe
distance from the patrol vehicle
ahead of you.
• Do not attempt to drive past the
patrol vehicle. Do not accelerate
until the patrol vehicle has turned
off its emergency lights and traf-
fic conditions ahead allow the re-
turn to normal speeds.
- 76 -
WHAT A DRIVER SHOULD DO
DURING AN ENFORCEMENT STOP
Acknowledge the officer’s pres-
ence by turning on your right turn
signal. Activating your signal lets
the officer know that you recognize
his or her presence. An officer may
become alarmed if you fail to recog-
nize him or her, and might perceive
that you have a reason to avoid yield-
ing or that you might be impaired.
move your vehicle to the right
shoulder of the road. The officer
will guide you using his or her pa-
trol vehicle. Do not move onto the
center median. Do not stop in the
center median of a freeway or on
the opposite side of a two-lane road-
way. This places both the driver and
the officer in danger of being hit by
oncoming traffic.
On a freeway, move completely
onto the right shoulder, even if
you’re in the carpool lane. Stop
in well lit areas when possible. Pull
your vehicle as far off the roadway
as possible. When it is dark, look
for locations that have more light
such as areas with street or freeway
lights, near restaurants, or service
stations.
End your cell phone conversa-
tion and turn off your radio. The
officer needs your full attention to
communicate with you to complete
the enforcement stop in the least
amount of time needed.
Remain inside your vehicle un-
less otherwise directed by the of-
ficer. Never step out of your vehicle,
unless an officer directs you to do
so. During an enforcement stop, the
officer’s priorities are your safety,
the safety of your passengers, and
the officer’s own personal safety. In
most situations, the safest place for
you and your passengers is inside
your vehicle. Exiting your vehicle
without first being directed by an
officer can increase the risk of being
struck by a passing vehicle and/or
increase the officer’s level of feel-
ing threatened.
Place your hands in clear view, in-
cluding all passengers’ hands such
as on the steering wheel, on top of
your lap, etc. During an enforce-
ment stop, an officer’s inability to
see the hands of the driver and all
occupants in the vehicle increases
the officer’s level of feeling threat-
ened. Most violent criminal acts
against a law enforcement officer
occur through the use of a person’s
hands, such as the use of a firearm,
sharp object, etc. If your windows
are tinted, it is recommended that
you roll down your windows after
you have stopped your vehicle on
the right shoulder of the roadway
and before the officer makes con-
tact with you.
ACTIONS THAT RESULT IN
LOSS OF DRIVER LICENSE
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The California Compulsory Finan-
cial Responsibility Law requires
every driver and every owner of a
motor vehicle to maintain financial
- 77 -
responsibility (liability coverage) at
all times. There are four forms of
financial responsibility:
• A motor vehicle liability insur-
ance policy.
• A deposit of $35,000 with the
DMV.
• A surety bond for $35,000 ob-
tained from a company licensed
to do business in California.
• A DMV issued self-insurance
certificate.
You must possess evidence of fi-
nancial responsibility whenever you
drive, and show it to a police offi-
cer after a traffic stop or collision
when asked to do so. You may have
to pay a fine or have your vehicle
impounded if you do not comply
with this law.
INSURANCE
Insurance Requirements
The law states that you must be fi-
nancially responsible for your ac-
tions whenever you drive and for all
the motor vehicles you own. Most
drivers choose to have a liability in-
surance policy as proof of financial
responsibility. If you have a colli-
sion not covered by your insurance,
or you do not have insurance, your
driver license will be suspended. If
the driver is not identified, the own-
er of the motor vehicle involved in a
collision will have his or her driver
license suspended.
The minimum amount your insur-
ance* must cover per collision is:
* Low cost automobile policies are available in
Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Imperial, Kern,
Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San
Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin,
San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Stanislaus counties.
Please contact your insurance agent.
• $15,000 for a single death or
injury.
• $30,000 for death or injury to
more than one person.
• $5,000 for property damage.
Call 1-800-927-HELP, before you
purchase insurance to confirm that
your agent/broker and insurer are
licensed by the California Depart-
ment of Insurance.
If you are visiting California or have
just moved here, be aware that not
all out-of-state insurance compa-
nies are authorized to do business
in California. Before you drive here,
ask your insurance company if you
are covered in case of a collision. If
you have a collision in California,
all three of the following conditions
must be met to avoid the suspension
of your driving privilege:
1. Your liability policy must pro-
vide bodily injury and property
damage coverage which equals
or exceeds the required limits
stated in this section.
2. Your insurance company must
file a power of attorney allow-
ing the DMV to act as its agent
for legal service in California.
3. You must insure the vehicle be-
fore you come to California. You
cannot renew the out-of-state
policy, once the vehicle is reg-
istered in California.
- 78 -
Collisions on Your Record
The DMV retains information
on every collision reported to the
DMV by:
• Law enforcement, unless the re-
porting officer states another per-
son was at fault.
• You or another party involved in
the collision, if any one person
has over $750 in damage, or if
anyone is injured or dies.
It does not matter who caused the
collision; the DMV must keep this
record.
Collisions, Insurance, and Minors
If you are under 18 years of age, your
parent(s) or guardian(s) must sign
your driver license application and
assume financial responsibility for
your driving. When you reach age
18, your parent(s) or guardian(s)’ li-
ability automatically ends.
If you are involved in a collision,
your parent(s) or guardian(s) may
be liable for civil damages and you
may also be fined.
EXCEPTION: Your parent(s) or
guardian(s) can have your driver
license cancelled at any time while
you are a minor.
ALCOHOL/DRUGS WHILE DRIVING
Alcohol/Drugs and Driving Is
Dangerous
Alcohol and/or drugs impair your
judgment. Impaired judgment or
good sense affects how you react to
sounds and what you see. It is also
dangerous to walk in traffic or ride
a bicycle while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs. It takes about
an hour for the body to get rid of
each “drink.” If a person has had
more than one drink an hour, one
hour of “sobering up” time should
be allowed for each extra drink con-
sumed before driving. Better still,
someone who has not been drink-
ing should drive (refer to the “Des-
ignated Driver Program” section on
pages 85 and 86).
Much of what has been said about
alcohol also applies to drugs. Cali-
fornia’s drunk driving law is also a
drug driving law. It refers to “driv-
ing under the influence of alcohol
and/or drugs.” If an officer suspects
that you are under the influence of
drugs, the officer can legally re-
quire you to take a blood or urine
test. Drivers who refuse these tests
are subject to longer driver license
suspensions and revocations.
The use of any drug (the law does
not distinguish between prescrip-
tion, over-the-counter, or illegal
drugs) which impairs your ability
to drive safely is illegal. Check with
your physician or pharmacist and
read the warning label if you are
not sure that taking the medication
will affect your driving. Here are
some facts:
• Most drugs taken for colds, hay
fever, allergy, or to calm nerves
or muscles can make a person
drowsy.
• Medicines taken together or used
with alcohol can be dangerous.
Many drugs have unexpected side
- 79 -
effects when taken with alcohol.
• Pep pills, “uppers,” and diet pills
can make a driver more alert for
a short time. Later, however, they
can cause a person to be nervous,
dizzy, and not able to concentrate.
They can also affect the vision.
Any drug that “may cause drowsi-
ness or dizziness” is one you should
not take before driving. Make sure
you read the label and know the ef-
fects of any drug you use.
Carrying Alcohol in a Vehicle
The law is very strict about carry-
ing alcohol or drugs in a vehicle,
whether the vehicle is on or off the
highway. You must not drink any
amount of alcohol in any vehicle.
A container of liquor, beer, or wine
carried inside the vehicle must be
full, sealed, and unopened. Other-
wise, it must be kept in the trunk
of the vehicle or in a place where
passengers do not sit. Keeping an
opened alcoholic drink in the glove
compartment is specifically against
the law.
In a bus, taxi, camper, or motor
home, this law does not apply to
non-driving passengers.
Drivers Under 21 (Possession of
Alcohol)
If you are under 21 years of age:
• You may not carry liquor, beer, or
wine inside a vehicle unless you
are accompanied by a parent or
other person as specified by law
and the container is full, sealed,
and unopened.
• If you are caught with an alco-
holic beverage in your vehicle,
the vehicle may be impounded
for up to 30 days. The court may
fine you up to $1,000, and either
suspend your driving privilege
for one year or require the DMV
to delay the issuance of your first
driver license for up to one year,
if you are not already licensed.
• Your driving privilege will be
revoked for one year, if you are
convicted of either driving with
a Blood Alcohol Concentration
(BAC) of 0.01% or higher or Driv-
ing Under the Influence (DUI)
of alcohol and/or drugs. On the
first offense you will be required
to complete the educational por-
tion of a licensed DUI program. A
subsequent offense may require a
longer DUI program and you will
not have a restricted driver license
to attend the DUI program.
EXCEPTION: You may carry
alcoholic beverages in closed
containers, while working for
someone with an off-site liquor
sales license.
Drivers of All Ages
It is illegal to drive after consum-
ing excessive amounts of alcohol
in any form (including medications
such as cough syrup), or taking any
drug (including prescription medi-
cations), or using any combination
of alcohol or drugs.
- 80 -
Blood Alcohol Concentration
(BAC) Limits
It is illegal for any person to oper-
ate a vehicle with a:
• BAC of 0.08% or higher, if the
person is age 21 or older.
• BAC of 0.01% or higher, if the
person is under age 21.
• BAC of 0.01% or higher at any
age, if the person is on a Driv-
ing Under the Influence (DUI)
probation.
• BAC of 0.04% or higher, in any
vehicle requiring a commercial
driver license (CDL)—with or
without a CDL issued to the driver.
The DMV can take an adminis-
trative action against your driving
privilege after you are detained or
arrested, and the court may take a
separate action (suspend, revoke,
or delay the driver license) for the
same offense. DMV’s action is re-
lated only to your driving privilege.
The court’s action may involve the
payment of a fine, jail time, suspen-
sion or revocation of your driving
privilege, and completion of a DUI
program.
Similar provisions (California Har-
bors and Navigation Code) apply
when you operate any vessel, aqua-
plane, jet skis, water skis, or simi-
lar devices. These convictions are
placed on your driving record and
will be used by the court to deter-
mine “prior convictions” for motor
vehicle DUI sentencing. These con-
victions are also used when deter-
mining the length of a suspension
or revocation action or the rein-
statement requirements, because
of a violation you committed while
driving a motor vehicle.
ADMIN PER SE
When you drive in California, you
consent to have your breath, blood
or, under certain circumstances,
urine tested if you are arrested for
driving under the influence of alco-
hol, drugs, or a combination of both.
Under 21—Zero Tolerance for Al-
cohol Use. If you are under 21 years
of age, you must submit to a hand-
held breath test, Preliminary Alco-
hol Screening (PAS), or one of the
other chemical tests if you have been
detained and a police officer has
reason to believe you were drink-
ing alcohol. If your BAC measures
0.01% or higher on the PAS, the of-
ficer may take your driver license
and issue you a temporary driver
license for only 30 days, give you
an order of suspension for one year,
and then determine whether to re-
lease you, turn you over to juvenile
authorities, or contact your parent(s)
or guardian(s). You may request a
DMV administrative hearing with-
in 10 days.
If your PAS shows a BAC of 0.05%,
the officer may require you to sub-
mit to either a breath or blood test.
Some PAS devices provide a record
which may be submitted to the court
as evidence. Other PAS devices do
not provide a record, so the officer
may ask for a breath or blood test
after the PAS. You do not have a
- 81 -
Provide law enforcement with the:
exact location
vehicle make & model
license plate
One call could save a life.
If you see a drunk driver
on the road, call 911.
G
e
t

v
a
l
u
e
s
.
right to consult with a lawyer be-
fore selecting or completing a test.
If a subsequent test reveals a BAC
of 0.05% or higher, the officer will
issue you an order of suspension,
arrest you for Driving Under the In-
fluence (DUI) (CVC §23140), and
detain you until you can be turned
over to your parent(s), guardian(s),
or juvenile authorities. If your BAC
is 0.08% or higher, the police offi-
cer may arrest you (CVC §§23152
or 23153).
If the officer reasonably believes
you are under the combined influ-
ence of alcohol and drugs and you
have already submitted to a PAS
and/or a breath test, you may still
be required to submit to a blood
or urine test because the breath
test does not detect the presence
of drugs.
If you refuse to submit to any of
the tests, your driving privilege
may be suspended because of your
refusal. Even if you change your
mind later and agree to a test, and
your BAC measures 0.01% or high-
er on the PAS, your driving privi-
lege may be suspended for both
reasons, although both actions will
run concurrently.
COURT DUI CONVICTIONS
If you are convicted of Driving Un-
der the Influence (DUI) of either
alcohol and/or drugs or both, and
you have an excessive BAC level,
you may be sentenced to serve up
to six months in jail and pay a fine
between $390—$1,000 (plus about
three times the fine in penalty as-
sessments) the first time you are
convicted. Your vehicle may be
impounded and is subject to stor-
age fees.
On the first conviction, the court
will suspend your driving privi-
lege for six months and require you
to complete a DUI program before
your driver license can be reinstat-
ed. The length of the program may
vary. If your BAC is 0.15% or high-
er, and you already have a record of
violations for other reasons or you
refuse to submit to a chemical test,
the court may order you to complete
a nine-month or longer program. If
your BAC is 0.20% or higher and
the court refers you to an enhanced
DUI treatment program, your driv-
er license will be suspended for 10
months. You could also be required
to install an ignition interlock device
(IID) on your vehicle. A court may
also order you to install an IID if
your BAC is 0.15% or higher, you
have two or more prior moving vi-
olations, or you refuse a chemical
test at the time of your arrest. An
IID prevents you from starting your
vehicle if you have any alcohol on
your breath. If anyone is injured as
a result of your DUI, the suspension
period is one year.
Effective July 1, 2010, through De-
cember 31, 2015, all first time and
repeat DUI offenders convicted in
Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramen-
to or Tulare Counties are required
to install and maintain, for a spe-
cific period of time, an IID on all
- 84 -
vehicles they own and operate and
pay a $45 administrative service fee
to reinstate their driving privileges
(CVC §23700).
In cases involving serious injury or
death, you may be punished under
the California Three Strikes Law.
You may also face civil lawsuits.
All DUI convictions will remain
on DMV’s records for 10 years. The
courts and/or the DMV may impose
more stringent penalties for subse-
quent violations during that period.
A BAC below legal limits does not
mean that you are safe to drive. Al-
most all drivers show impairment
by alcohol at levels lower than the
legal limit. The impairment you ex-
hibit at the time you are stopped may
be enough to convict you of a DUI
even without a BAC measurement.
Drivers 21 and Older —DUI
Programs and Restricted Driver
Licenses
The completion of a Driving Un-
der the Influence (DUI) program
is required for all DUI convictions.
Generally, if you are over 21 years of
age, enroll in a DUI program, file a
California Insurance Proof Certifi-
cate (SR 22), and pay the restriction
and reissue fees, the DMV will is-
sue you a restricted driver license,
which allows you to drive to/from
work and during the course of em-
ployment (unless you hold a com-
mercial driver license) and to/from
a DUI program. However, if you
are considered a “traffic safety” or
“public safety” risk, if permitted to
drive, the court may order the DMV
to not grant you a restricted driver
license. Other actions against you
may also prohibit the issuance of a
restricted driver license.
Second and subsequent DUI convic-
tions result in increased penalties,
including a two-year suspension or
a revocation of up to four years. Af-
ter you complete a prescribed period
of your suspension/revocation and
either enroll in, or complete a por-
tion of, a DUI program, you may
obtain a restricted driver license to
drive anywhere necessary, if you:
• Install an IID on your vehicle.
• Agree not to drive any vehicle
without an IID.
• Agree to complete the prescribed
DUI program.
• File an SR 22.
• Pay the reissue and restriction
fees.
DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAM
The Designated Driver Program is
an anti-Driving Under the Influence
(DUI) effort that works. This pro-
gram encourages one individual to
abstain from consuming alcoholic
beverages during an outing, so he
or, she can be responsible for trans-
porting other person(s) safely.
To participate as a designated driver,
an individual:
• Should be at least 21 years of age
and must possess a valid driver
license.
• Must be part of a group of two
or more persons and verbally
- 85 -
identify himself or herself as the
designated driver to the server.
• Must abstain from consuming al-
coholic beverages for the duration
of the outing.
• Must not be an otherwise im-
paired driver.
• Must understand that manage-
ment reserves the right to refuse
service to anyone at any time.
GETTING A TICKET
If you are stopped by a police offi-
cer and cited for a traffic law viola-
tion, you sign a promise to appear in
traffic court. When you go to court,
you may plead guilty or not guilty,
or you may forfeit (pay) the citation
fine. Paying the fine is the same as
a guilty plea.
If you ignore the traffic ticket and
do not keep your promise to appear
in court, the failure to appear (FTA)
goes on your driver record. If you
fail to pay a fine (FTP), the court will
notify the DMV and will also show
on your driver record. Even one FTA
or FTP can cause the department to
suspend your driver license. To end
the suspension will cost you a driver
license reissue fee of $55.
Each time you are convicted of a
moving traffic law violation, the
court notifies the DMV and the
conviction is placed on your driver
license record. Convictions report-
ed by other states are also added to
your driver record.
EVADING A POLICE OFFICER
Any person who willfully f lees
or attempts to evade a police offi-
cer performing his or her duties is
guilty of a misdemeanor punish-
able by imprisonment in a coun-
ty jail for not more than one year
(CVC §2800.1).
If a person is convicted of causing
serious bodily injury during the
course of a police pursuit (CVC
§2800.3(a)), he or she is subject to:
• Imprisonment in a state prison for
three, five, or seven years or in a
county jail for not more than one
year.
• A fine that is not less than $2,000
or more than $10,000.
• Both a fine and imprisonment.
When a person is convicted of man-
slaughter resulting from evading
police during a pursuit, he or she is
subject to imprisonment in a state
prison for a minimum of four to ten
years (CVC §2800.3(b)).
POINTS ON THE DRIVER RECORD
The DMV keeps a public record of
all your traffic convictions and col-
lisions. Each occurrence stays on
your record for 36 months, or longer,
depending on the type of conviction.
The Negligent Operator Treatment
System (NOTS) is based on negli-
gent operator points and consists
of a computer generated series
of warning letters and progres-
sive sanctions against the driving
privilege.
- 86 -
You may be considered a negligent
operator, when your driving record
shows one of the following “point
count” totals:
• 4 points in 12 months
• 6 points in 24 months
• 8 points in 36 months
Some examples of one poi nt
violations:
• Traffic convictions
• At-fault collisions
Some examples of t wo poi nt
violations:
• Reckless driving or hit-and-run
driving
• Driving Under the Inf luence
(DUI) of alcohol/drugs
• Driving while driver license is
suspended or revoked
If you get 4 points in 12 months, you
will lose your driver license. A vio-
lation received in a commercial ve-
hicle carries one and one-half times
the point count normally assessed.
For detailed point count informa-
tion, refer to the California Com-
mercial Driver Handbook.
VANDALISM/GRAFFITI—
ALL AGES
California law allows the courts to
suspend the driver license for up to
two years of a person convicted of
engaging in vandalism, including
graffiti. If you are convicted and do
not have a driver license, the courts
can delay the issuance of your driver
license for up to three years from the
date you are legally eligible to drive.
SPEED CONTESTS/RECKLESS
DRIVING
A person convicted of driving reck-
lessly or engaging in a speed con-
test which causes bodily injury to
another person is subject to:
• Imprisonment in a county jail or
state prison for a minimum of 30
days to 6 months,
• A fine ranging from $220–$1,000,
or
• Both, a fine and imprisonment
(CVC §§23105 and 23109.1).
POSSESSING FIREARMS
The court will:
• Suspend or revoke the driving
privilege of any minor convict-
ed of possessing a concealable
weapon or live ammunition, or
• Impose driver license sanctions
for minors convicted of misde-
meanors involving firearms.
TRAFFIC VIOLATOR SCHOOL
CONVICTIONS
When a driver is cited for a one point
traffic violation, the judge may offer
the driver the opportunity to attend
a Traffic Violator School. Drivers
who do not have a commercial driv-
er license may participate once in
any 18-month period to have a cita-
tion masked from their driving re-
cords. Completion of the course is
reported electronically to the court
by the school. Paper completion
certificates are no longer used for
reporting purposes; however, the
student will receive a completion
receipt from the school.
- 87 -
NOTE: When a commercial driver
is cited in a noncommercial vehicle,
the driver may be eligible to attend
traffic school. Please refer to DMV’s
website for further information at
www.dmv.ca.gov.
SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION
BY THE DMV
If you get too many negligent driver
points, the DMV will place you on
probation for one year (which in-
cludes a six-month suspension) or
revoke your driving privilege (refer
to the topics included in the “Ac-
tions That Result in Loss of Driver
License” section on pages 77-88).
Your suspension or revocation or-
der informs you of your right to a
hearing.
At the end of the suspension or re-
vocation period, you may apply for
a new driver license and must show
proof of financial responsibility.
The DMV will revoke your driver
license if you are convicted of a hit-
and-run or reckless driving that re-
sulted in injury.
SUSPENSION BY JUDGE
A judge may suspend a person’s
driver license, if the driver is con-
victed of one of the following:
• Breaking speed laws or reckless
driving.
• Driving Under the Inf luence
(DUI) of alcohol or drugs.
• Hit-and-run.
• Engaging in lewd conduct and
prostitution in a vehicle within
1,000 feet of a residence.
• Assaulting a driver, passenger,
bicyclist, or pedestrian when the
offense occurs on a highway (road
rage).
• Failure to stop as required at a
railway grade crossing.
• Felony or misdemeanor offense of
recklessly fleeing a law enforce-
ment officer.
Regardless of the point count, many
serious offenses in which a vehicle
is used carry heavy penalties such
as fines and/or imprisonment. If
you use your vehicle as a weapon,
your driver license may be perma-
nently revoked.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
The following is a brief summary of California’s vehicle registration require-
ments. Please visit the DMV’s website to obtain detailed information at www.
dmv.ca.gov.
CALIFORNIA VEHICLES
When you purchase a new or used vehicle from a licensed California dealer,
the dealer collects use tax and fees to register and title the vehicle.
The dealer submits these fees and documents to the DMV and gives you tem-
porary operating authority. Usually within six–eight weeks after the purchase
- 88 -
date, you will receive a registration card, license plates, stickers, and a Cer-
tificate of Title, if appropriate.
If the dealer participates in the Business Partner Automation (BPA) program,
the dealer or their registration service will process the DMV documents and
issue the registration card, license plates, and stickers to the customer.
If you obtain or purchase a vehicle from a private party, you must transfer
the ownership within 10 days. Submit the following to the DMV:
• A properly endorsed and completed Certificate of Title or Application for
Duplicate Title (REG 227).
• Smog certification, if required.
• Use tax payment, if required.
• Odometer Mileage Disclosure Statement, if applicable.
• Appropriate DMV fees.
When you sell or transfer a vehicle, report it to the DMV within 5 days. You
can complete the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) form
online, download and mail the completed form, or call the DMV at 1-800-
777-0133 to request the form be mailed.
OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLES
Vehicles registered in another state or foreign country must be regis-
tered in California within 20 days after you become a resident or get a job
(refer to page 2 for information regarding residency).
NOTE: If you are a California resident and acquire a new car, truck, or mo-
torcycle (this includes certain diesel powered vehicles) from another state,
ensure that it meets California smog laws; otherwise, it cannot be registered
here. The DMV cannot accept an application to register the vehicle in Cali-
fornia when the vehicle does not qualify for registration (Health and Safety
[H&S] Codes §§43150-43156).
Nonresident military personnel and their spouses may operate their vehicles
in California with their valid home state license plates or until the plates is-
sued from the state of their last assigned duty station expire. They may renew
the registration in their home state before it expires or register the vehicle in
California.
The items needed to register any out-of-state vehicle are:
• Compl et ed and signed Appl i cat ion for Tit l e or Regi st r at ion
(REG 343).
• Verification of the vehicle completed by the DMV, law enforcement agent,
or an auto club employee.
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• Out-of-state title and/or last issued out-of-state registration card, if the title
is not submitted.
• Smog certification, if required.
• Weight certificate for commercial vehicles only.
• Appropriate DMV fees and use tax, if applicable.
• Completed Odometer Mileage Disclosure statement, if applicable.
DRIVER LICENSE FAST FACTS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Available Online
• FFDL 05 Birth Date/Legal Presence and True Full Name
• FFDL 08 Social Security Number
• FFDL 08A Social Security Number Supplemental Requirements
• FFDL 10 Potentially Unsafe Driver
• FFDL 14 Vision Standards
• FFDL 15 Retention of Driver Record Information
• FFDL 16 Vehicle Collisions!
• FFDL 19 Provisional Licensing
• FFDL 22 DMV’s Driving Test
• FFDL 24 Identity Theft
• FFDL 25 Identity Fraud
• FFDL 26 Administrative Hearings
• FFDL 27 DMV’s Reexamination Process
• FFDL 28 Driver Distractions
• FFDL 29 Federal Hazardous Materials Requirements -
USA Patriot Act of 2001
• FFDL 31 Ignition Interlock Devices
• FFDL 32 Limited Term for Legal Presence
• FFDL 33 Selecting a Driving School
• FFDL 34 Organ & Tissue Donation
• FFDL 35 Driving Under the Influence -
Immediate Driver License Suspension or Revocation:
Drivers Age 21 and Older
• FFDL 36 Driving Under the Influence - Immediate Driver License
Suspension: Drivers Under Age 21
• FFDL 37 Sharing the Road
• FFDL 40 Diabetes and Driving
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• FFDL 41 Helping Drivers Maintain Their Driving Independence
• FFDL 42 Firefighter Endorsement Training Requirements
• FFDL 43 Are you a Veteran?
• FFDL 44 Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Pilot Program
• Senior Guide for Safe Driving (DL 625)
• California Parent-Teen Training Guide (DL 603)
• Preparing for Your Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation
(DL 956)
Available in Print Only
• Driving Test Criteria (DL 955)
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dmv.ca.gov
DISTRACTIONS: A split
second can change or end
your life.
KNOWLEDGE TEST SAMPLE #1
1. When you drive through a construction zone, you should:
a. Slow down to watch the workers.
b. Decrease your following distance.
c. Pass the construction zone carefully and not “rubberneck”.
2. To make a right turn at the corner, you:
a. May not enter the bicycle lane.
b. Should only merge into the bicycle lane if you stop before turning.
c. Must merge into the bicycle lane before turning.
3. If a traffic signal light is not working, you must:
a. Stop, then proceed when safe.
b. Stop before entering the intersection and let all other traffic go first.
c. Slow down or stop, only if necessary.
4. A pedestrian is crossing your lane but there is no marked crosswalk. You
should:
a. Make sure the pedestrian sees you, but continue driving.
b. Carefully drive around the pedestrian.
c. Stop and let the pedestrian cross the street.
5. Always use your seat belt:
a. Unless the vehicle was built before 1978.
b. Unless you are in a limousine.
c. When the vehicle is equipped with seat belts.
6. The extra space in front of a large truck is needed for:
a. Other drivers when merging onto a freeway.
b. The truck driver to stop the vehicle.
c. Other drivers when they want to slow down.
7. Roads are slippery after it first starts to rain. When the road is slippery
you should:
a. Avoid making fast turns and fast stops.
b. Test your tires’ traction while going uphill.
c. Decrease the distance you look ahead of your vehicle.
8. Collisions can happen more often when:
a. All vehicles are traveling about the same speed.
b. One lane of traffic is traveling faster than the other lanes.
c. One vehicle is traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic.
A N S W E R S : 1 c , 2 c , 3 a , 4 c , 5 c , 6 b , 7 a , 8 c
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KNOWLEDGE TEST SAMPLE #2
1. When you enter traffic from a stop (away from the curb), you:
a. Should drive slower than other traffic for 200 feet.
b. Need a large enough gap to get up to the speed of traffic.
c. Should wait for the first two vehicles to pass, then drive into the lane.
2. When passing another vehicle, it is safe to return to your lane if you:
a. Cannot see the vehicle directly to your right.
b. See the vehicle’s headlights in your rear view mirror.
c. Have passed the other vehicle’s front bumper.
3. Dim your headlights for oncoming vehicles or when you are within 300
feet of a vehicle:
a. You are approaching from behind.
b. Approaching you from behind.
c. You have already passed.
4. If you see orange construction signs and cones on a freeway, you must:
a. Slow down because the lane ends ahead.
b. Be prepared for workers and equipment ahead.
c. Change lanes and maintain your current speed.
5. U-turns in residential districts are legal:
a. On a one-way street on a green arrow.
b. When there are no vehicles approaching nearby.
c. Across two sets of solid double, yellow lines.
6. You consent to take a blood test for the alcohol content of your blood,
breath, or urine:
a. Only if you have been drinking alcohol.
b. Whenever you drive in California.
c. Only if you have a collision.
7. On a green arrow, you must:
a. Yield to any vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian in the intersection.
b. Yield to pedestrians only in the intersection.
c. Wait four seconds before proceeding.
8. When driving at night on a dimly lit street, you should:
a. Drive slowly enough so you can stop within the area lighted by your
headlights.
b. Turn on your high beam headlights to better see the vehicles ahead of you.
c. Keep the instrument panel lights bright to be more visible to other drivers.
GO ONLINE AT WWW.dm V.CA.GOV FOR MORE SAMPLE TESTS
• A N S W E R S : 1 b ; 2 b ; 3 a ; 4 b ; 5 b ; 6 b ; 7 a ; 8 a
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Mail to:
Address:
City, State, ZIP Code:
DL 600 ENGLISH (REV. 1/2013)
Products or services provided by advertisers are not promoted or endorsed by DMV.
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